8:39AM
WPR's The New Rules: In Globalized World, Time Is on America's Side
Monday, April 23, 2012 at 8:39AM Second-to-last column at WPR.
There is a popular tendency to characterize globalization as an elite-based conspiracy or as something imposed by greedy outsiders upon unsuspecting native populations, hence the enduring belief in the possibility of its systemic reversal. In truth, the spread of modern globalization reflects a bottom-up demand function, not a top-down supply imposition. People simply crave connectivity -- in all its physical and virtual forms -- as well as the freedom of choice that it unleashes. This simple truth is worth remembering when we contemplate America’s global role in the decades ahead.
Read the entire column at World Politics Review.
tagged Arab Spring, China, connectivity, democracy, globalization | in WPR Column | Email Article | Permalink | Print Article
Arab Spring, China, connectivity, democracy, globalization | in WPR Column | Email Article | Permalink | Print Article 
Reader Comments (3)
What a beautiful message to Americans & the world. Thank you again for reminding us to not be our own worst enemies. I look forward with much anticipation to your new venues.
Time is on America's side? Don't know how to answer that question.
What I know is that America will have to compete a lot more in the future than it does today. America's ability to compete will depend on geo-strategic investments made today. How important will Africa be? What is the game plan for Latin America? Who is best positioned to benefit from the opening up of Burma, North Korea and Iran?
An attitude of "time being on our side" is a ticket to complacency.
Tom, I think you would enjoy Edward O. Wilson's new book "The Social Conquest of Earth". I think his thoughts & descriptions support several of your insights such as: "people simply crave connectivity..." with very credible insights into why.