This chapter talks about what policies developing countries need to make it in the flattening world. Each country needs to know where it stands compared to the ten flatteners. Friedman talks about the only way out of poverty is to join more open markets, and that it must have three elements: Infrastructure, proper education, and the right governance. But for a lot these countries have bigger problems to deal with then the 10 flatteners. What about hunger, no reliance on govt b/c of warlords, or disease. I believe a lot of these couldn't even catch up in a few hundred years, a man living in a clay hut in Iraq isn't not worried about the world being flat.
Friedman does make some sense when he says developing nations need a a business-friendly environment. But it needs to be regulated well, most of those govt are corrupt and won't deal with the WTO. He talks about Ireland addressing these issues and going from the worst to the second richest in the EU, and that its about the most productive labor for the cheapest price. But, Ireland was not that bad to start off with, and its a fairy tale story. Not every kid is going to be a professional athlete.
Friedman's talks about culture being a big determinate is a very controversial variable, but he's right to some degree. He says that open cultures are the most willing to adopt global practices verses closed cultures. What about the Asian cultures, they are all about tradition and solidarity, but is one of the biggest flattening factors. On the other hand though countries in like the Middle East don't let there woman work or in the public process, and that eliminates a huge workforce.
Friedman does make some sense when he says developing nations need a a business-friendly environment. But it needs to be regulated well, most of those govt are corrupt and won't deal with the WTO. He talks about Ireland addressing these issues and going from the worst to the second richest in the EU, and that its about the most productive labor for the cheapest price. But, Ireland was not that bad to start off with, and its a fairy tale story. Not every kid is going to be a professional athlete.
Friedman's talks about culture being a big determinate is a very controversial variable, but he's right to some degree. He says that open cultures are the most willing to adopt global practices verses closed cultures. What about the Asian cultures, they are all about tradition and solidarity, but is one of the biggest flattening factors. On the other hand though countries in like the Middle East don't let there woman work or in the public process, and that eliminates a huge workforce.
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