TWIF+Chapter+14

The World is Flat Chapter 14 Summary: Chapter fourteen, The Dell Theory of Conflict Prevention, focuses on the technological advances and global collaboration that has resulted in closely linked nation-states. Originally referred to as the “McDonald’s Theory”, Friedman’s belief is that when countries are linked economically they will avoid conflict. There had not been a war between nations that established a McDonald’s restaurant. To further demonstrate how economically inter-twined nations have become, Friedman offers up his Dell computer. He asked Dell to provide him with the manufacturers of each component of the computer, taking into account where the parts were produced, the “home nation” of each manufacturer, and how all the pieces were assembled to produce a finished product. He provides a list that consists of dozens of companies, from dozens of countries and explains how the collaboration of many multinational corporations all contributed to the computer that was shipped to his front door. Friedman claims that the development of these “supply chains” have actually deterred nations from going to war. Not for a sudden understanding between two traditional rivals, but because of the prospect of losing one’s place on the chain, which would have catastrophic economic ramifications. Freidman highlights the strong economic ties between China and Japan to reinforce his point: //Historically, (Osamu Watanabe, CEO of the Japan External Trade Organization) noted, a strong Japan and a strong China have had a hard time coexisting. But not today, at least not for the moment. Why not? (Friedman) asked. The reason you can have a strong Japan and a strong China at the same time, (Watanabe) said, “is because of the supply chain.” It is a win-win for both.// (Friedman, 589*) Conversely, Friedman notes that this quasi-peace only exists between established nation-states, but the technology, and the benefits of it, exist for all those who wish to utilize it. Friedman points out that terrorist groups in particular can benefit from global capabilities: //Al-Qaeda has learned to use many of the same instruments for global collaboration that Infosys uses, but instead of producing products and profits with them, it has produced mayhem and murder//. (Friedman, 595*) The peace only exists between nations because they have something to lose – business. This doesn’t apply to terrorist organizations. Rather, they only experience the upside of reaching a global audience as they can recruit, propagandize events, and organize future attacks, all at little expense. Friedman closes the chapter by giving hope to the situation by ensuring the reader that America has the capability to use global collaboration to prevent the spread of nuclear proliferation. He acknowledges that we can’t “shut down” the internet, but that we can influence the intention that people have… * These page numbers reflect the Third Edition of //The World is Flat//

Analysis: While I feel Friedman’s theory is extremely simplified (in fairness he acknowledges this several times throughout the chapter) I do believe it to be valid. History does give credence to his idea that nations which are economically linked are less likely to engage in conflict. The world truly has become globalized and I agree with Friedman again in that the main factors were the launch of Netscape and the fall of communism. In that time previous enemies have become economic allies (EAs). More startling are the actual nations that have become EAs, especially when one examines the instances between particular nations, such as China and Japan, and considers events like The Rape of Nanking. Incidents like that can spawn hate for generations, but economic prosperity can bring about a common ground. Taking it from the opposite view, when countries refuse to trade with other nations, as was the case after WWI, this lack of connectivity can bring about conflict, as it did with WWII. I also agree with Friedman regarding the lack of control we have over the internet and emerging threats as a result of certain groups gaining global capabilities. Clearly communication and organization amongst terrorist groups is only going to become more prevalent and more effective. Friedman makes the observation that we have the means to control these groups through using the global capabilities to our advantage, but asks whether we have the will. It’s an important question and I feel this is the point that will be critical to protecting our country in the years to come. I feel the recall of troops from Iraq and the deployment of troops to Afghanistan (where Al-Qaeda and the Taliban openly operate) is a move towards meeting the challenge posed by globalized terrorism. As an educator I feel the ideas put forth in this chapter can translate directly into the classroom. I believe it’s a good call for classrooms without walls. Logically, if countries are reluctant to go to war over potential economic ramifications schools should take the initiative to make students aware of the rapidly expanding global market, and in a sense they’ll be promoting a stable coexistence amongst nations. Furthermore, I believe schools are obliged to get their students to think on a greater level, to see beyond their town, state, and nation and develop a true awareness of the world around them. We need to provide students with a social, political and economic understanding of the world. At the current moment we fall far short of this. We as a system are not demanding, yet the world which they will have to navigate is become ever more so. Schools should overhaul the current curricular framework and modify it to meet current demands. I’m not suggesting abandoning the core subjects, but aligning them to reflect the world our students will be thrust into.