Friday, August 22, 2008

Friday with Friedman (and Chomsky)



In a previous post I discussed briefly the work of Thomas Friedman and his musings on globalization. For further clarity and understanding, and some "daily" humor, check out Friedman's interview about living in a flat world on The Daily Show. Friedman also discussed globalization at the Indian School of Business and gave a talk at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore (for "10 days that flattened the world, start at around 24:00 and go to about 47:00).



Thomas Friedman offers a working definition of globalization in his books, while others offer trenchant criticisms of his rendering of globalization. One of the foremost critics of globalization is MIT linguist and political commentator Noam Chomsky. In this video clip he defines globalization.

From another perspective, here is the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy's definition of globalization.

With a working knowledge of Friedman's commentary on globalization and an understanding of Chomsky's critique of it, what is the main point that each author makes? In your opinion, who is correct? Or are both correct? Why or why not? Where does Europe fit into the analyses of Friedman and Chomsky?

We will conclude Friedman and globalization (and Chomsky) next week. UPDATE: we will discuss this topic Friday in class.

3 comments:

Nathan Barber said...

This looks like a great way to start the new school year. The blog looks fantastic, by the way. I can't wait to follow along throughout the year.

My best to all in AP Euro at SBS!

Phil said...

Thanks for stopping by, Nathan. We look forward to more visits and comments from you, as time allows.

Anonymous said...

Chomsky seems to be talking of globalization up to this point in time unlike Friedman who in my opinion discusses the current directions of globalization.
In other words, Chomsky focuses on import and export between countries to define international economical integration while focusing less on the international supply chain. In contrast, Friedman discusses the economic support a country gains by becoming a part of an international supply chain.
Friedman's definition of globalization concerns a much more developed globalization than the globalization according to Chomsky.

-Austin Price