Rating: Summary: The best bad book I've read in years. Review: If you're expecting something approaching the quality of "From Beirut to Jerusalem," you will be disappointed. That book was a masterpiece of reporting. That book told the story of one man's travels in Beirut and Jerusalem like no other before or since. This book tells... what story exactly? I'm not sure. Perhaps it's intended to be the story of the post-Cold War world, but it extrapolates that tale to the point that a better title might be, "What Thomas Friedman Thinks Will Happen Next."Still, I enjoyed it. I recommended it to friends. It has shaped the way I see the world.
Rating: Summary: A panoramic perspective of a New World in-the-making. Review: This book discloses the complex connections that make up the new international system we call "globalization." It gives the reader a breath-taking panoramic perspective of a New World in-the-making. In the first part of the book, Friedman explains how to understand the globalization system and how the system works. He then shows how nation-states, communities, individuals, and the environment interact with this system. Finally, he also delves into the blacklash against globalization and the unique role the United States plays in stabilizing this new system. Friedman defines globalization as the integration of financial markets, nation-states and technologies. This system threatens to destroy the rich diversity of cultures and environments. The central conflict Friedman probes is between the drive for wealth, symbolized by the Lexus, and the human need for identity and community, symbolized by the Olive Tree. While he sees globalization as inevitable if not indomitable, he views America as a model for hope, seeing this nation as embodying a living balance between these two great forces of the New and the Old. Friedman, an international journalist, provides a fascinating and highly insightful tour de force of the chaotic and complex nature, and the potential and threats of this system. His stories and use of language make this a compelling book that both informs and entertains. "The Lexus and the Olive Tree" is a winner. We highly recommend it. Reviewed by Gerry Stern, Stern & Associates, co-author of Stern's Sourcefinder: The Master Directory to HR and Business Management Information & Resources, Stern's CyberSpace SourceFinder, and Stern's Compensation and Benefits SourceFinder.
Rating: Summary: Well thought out, sophisticated and wise analysis. Review: I just finished this book, and am thoroughly impressed with Friedman's analysis of globalization. His use of metaphor and personal stories based on his experiences as a "globalist" are brillant. Globalization exists, and this book should be read by anyone who is concerned with the rapid changes occuring in the world. The man has common sense and wisdom!
Rating: Summary: Superb -- lucid, detailed, informed and well-written Review: I read Friedman's book and I must say that it was most intriguing, particularly for those unfamiliar with the astonishing (and anxiety-provoking) global changes wrought by internet technology and U.S. corporate interests. It seems Friedman's been everywhere, talked to everyone and threads together a series of provocative observations with well-chosen anecdotal information to support them. Very informative and entertaining. Not the last word on the subject, as Friedman readily admits, but an excellent start for readers who, in the future, hope to at least ask the right questions. The admittedly politically conservative readers who are givng this book one-star reviews are apparently upset by the conclusions Friedman draws here. This indicates that the position he takes is a threat to the corporate wing of the political right. They also can't spell, which is an ad hominum criticism, I suppose, but suggests that their screaming urge to repudiate was in charge here.
Rating: Summary: interesting and original. Review: This book deserves five stars because it gives a more internationally-relevant point of view than most things. Instead of always hearing about what Americans and Europeans have to say about things, we are brought into the point of view of people in totally different places, culturally, geographically and economically, especially Asia and South America. However, he did not say much about Africa. Africa is more important than people realise. It is not taken seriously by people in the so-called "developed" world, and ignored by the Western Press (except when they have an army there). Perhaps Friedman will take this up in his next book.
Rating: Summary: An entertaining view of globalization Review: While there are countless studies of globalization and its impact on the world economies, Friedman has managed to turn an otherwise dry, academic subject into one that the general population can understand. Friedman presents us with the more entertaining version of globalization, one that includes first-hand views of actual global events, written in a clear, almost anecdotal fashion. This is an easy read for those who are curious about the implications of globalization, but are put-off by the technical details and academic jargon of most books dealing with this subject. However, professionals and academics in search of the more technical description should look for information elsewhere. This is strictly for the general public.
Rating: Summary: A brilliant philosophical construct underlying Pax Americana Review: Another Pulitzer for certain. Friedman is not trying to teach ceo's of multinationals, he is providing a marvelous structure with which mere mortals can gain better insight into globalization. Required Reading. Anyone who thinks this book is too simplistic doesn't know hopw to write themselves. This book reads extremely well. Mr. Friedman has a remarkable talent for relaying his observations as the #1 foreign reporter in America. We would be less well off absent his contributions. Kudos!!
Rating: Summary: Superficial understanding of global business Review: The writer spins a good story, but I found the understanding of global business frothy. Rather than stories of Lexuses, as someone doing business in Asia, I found "New Asian Emperors" by Haley et al. a much more helpful, and even better written, book.
Rating: Summary: Arrogant and Naive Review: This book displays the typical American arrogance and blatant disregard towards - and one-sided evaluation of - complex international issues. Go ahead and read this book, but absolutely complement this reading with Barnet and Cavanagh's balanced "Global Dreams" and Korten's scathing "When Corporations Rule the World" for a far more insightful and complete analysis of the issues.
Rating: Summary: The Lexus and the Olive Tree should be required reading. Review: This book should be required reading for everyone in the world -- particularly in those nations that just don't "get it." Right on, Friedman. By reading your book, I felt like I got an M.B.A. Make sure your congressman gets a copy!
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