Despite my reputation as a fierce defender of globalization’s many benefits, I have always been of two minds on the human desire for connectivity in all its recently emergent possibilities. After all, my narrative on globalization began as “the Pentagon’s new map” -- not Google’s or Goldman’s. Even there, I was never under the impression that connectivity was an instant fix regarding human conflict -- quite the reverse. And I knew instinctively that the primary motive for increased connectivity throughout history has been individual greed for resources, opportunities, influence and -- most importantly -- an improved standard of living.
I’ve routinely expressed that ambivalence through two simple rules . . .
Read the rest of the column at World Politics Review.
Monday, June 7, 2010 at 9:30AM 
Reader Comments (3)
What's wrong with being Citizen of the World?
My uncle came to Australia from the same region of Belarus where my parents are from. One of his kids, investment banker, got two children with Japanese woman he met in Shanghai, now lives in Singapore. His other son, cardiologist, is dating girl from India he met in Montreal.
Yes, my generation is stuck in our ethnic enclave. But those kids, they got the whole world.
Globalization is the birth of Humankind.
Tom,
One of your every growing list of excellent columns that truely defines being an American in the 21st Century. I can identify with your metaphysical passport because mine also is majority share American with minority shares as diverse as Iran and China, with additional interests in Canada and Germany.
This is a world I hope for every day. Thanks for the pick me up, Mr. Barnett.