Lexus_and_the_Olive_Tree

When I think about globalization, I think of the sense a worldwide agreement and understanding to work cooperatively (which relates to world peace). Globalization also means international politics and economics being in friendly business relations. Thomas Friedman defines globalization as; “the inexorable integration of markets, nation-states and technologies to a degree never witnessed before- in a way that is enabling individuals, corporations and nation-states to reach around the world farther, faster, deeper and cheaper than ever before, and in a way that is enabling the world to reach into individuals, corporations and nation-states father, faster, deeper and cheaper than ever before” (p. 9). Globalization is a progressive movement to a world of high speed technology and no privacy. In his work, The Lexus and the Olive Tree, Friedman wrote about the world evolving from the Cold War era into the Age of Globalization. He focused on the state of the world in the 1990’s specifically acknowledging the growing economic systems and new emerging technologies. The Cold War was a time of defined sides to an issue (USSR v United States). From this basis, two positions were created; “friend” and “enemy”. The globalized world is slowly turning all friends and enemies into political, economical competitors. Friedman states that the world has come a long way in the years between the end of the Cold War (1989) and the publishing of Friedman’s book (2000). One problem that globalization creates is the conflict between traditionalists (the Olive Tree) and new age concepts (the Lexus). Friedman states, “The challenge in this era of globalization- for countries and individuals- is to find a healthy balance between preserving a sense of identity, home and community and doing what it takes to survive within the globalization system” (p. 42). He goes on to explain, “Any society that wants to thrive economically today must constantly be trying to build a better Lexus and driving it out into the world . . . If that participation comes at the price of a country’s identity, if individuals feel their olive roots crushed, or washed out, by this global system, those olive tree roots will rebel” (p. 42). I like this concept of finding a perfect balance or integrating of both new and old ideas. Many traditional ideas have historically proven themselves successful. The sharing of ideas between different countries is a perfect example for worldwide communication and becoming globalized. This idea of balance can be demonstrated in developing technologies such as the internet. In the 1990’s, the internet was a new and radical idea, completely different from any other means of communication, marketing or research ever before established. The internet meant that each person would need only one machine to link up to every other person or company with a similar device to instantly communicate and share business and ideas. For the corporations and producers this helped to sell their product faster. It was an instant marketing tool but also contributed to the increased competition between markets. This in time, would create a monopoly of business for the supplier with the cheapest products. For the consumer this is a helpful tool as well. The internet sped up many processes that if done by hand, would take much longer. This “Age of Information”, including the internet, telephones (cell phones) and other new technology keeps people connected to each other and up to date on international news and business. The year after Friedman’s book was published, a terrorist attack occurred in the United States that began a war between the United States and the Middle East. As an American, I have witnessed firsthand how technology has become a tool for the government rather than just for its citizens. In order to keep American citizens safe and under close watch the government tracks “snail mail”, email, phone calls, text messages, Facebook to try to prevent future attacks on America. Many times citizens feel uncomfortable having their personal lives watched so closely by the government. Is this the government trying to protect us or is this violation of privacy to help the government protect themselves against us' Again, I see this as a situation to be solved by a perfect balance between the two. In The Lexus and the Olive Tree, Friedman stated that “there is no better model for [globalization] on earth today than America” (p. 475). America has undoubtedly risen economically, politically and socially (with its relations to other countries) and has continued since Friedman’s publishing to evolve into one unified world. What Friedman could not have predicted, however, was the attack on 9/11. The terrorist attack negatively affected America’s relations with many thought to be allied countries. Economic business since 9/11 has suffered as the price of gas, gold and oil in America increased significantly. This has caused an unbalance in the international business system. Friedman was able to address the “Golden Arches theory” in his work, which since 9/11 has been disproven. This theory stated that countries with have McDonald’s franchises do not have serious conflicts with one other since the franchises were opened in said country. The war on Iraq disproved this theory. Another issue to look at includes the economic recession we are in now (almost ten years after 9/11). Could the two be related' All in all, the idea of globalization is still a work in progress and not terribly out of reach for America. The events on and following 9/11 definitely changed history and international relations, but not beyond repair. Friedman’s advice still holds true. “we can do this by supporting our public schools, paying our taxes, understanding that the government is not the enemy and always making sure we’re still getting to know our neighbors over the fence and not over the Web” (p. 174).