Tug of war: Opposing views on the processes of globalization

Abstract

The paper examines opposing views in two books on the processes and consequences of globalization: Thomas Friedman, The World is Flat, and Naomi Klein, The Shock Doctrine. Friedman argues that globalization brings huge advantages when market forces are freed from regulations. Klein argues that where neo-liberal policies have been imposed on struggling disaster. The authors agree that when markets are freed from external constraints trading prospers, but their analyses of the consequences are diametrically opposite. Friedman welcomes globalization as the dawn of a new era for mankind. Klein fears that globalization will lead to greater poverty and armed conflicts will inevitably follow. The authors agree on one point; that worldwide competition for raw materials and markets make military conflicts more likely in the future.