Questions to consider while reading Thomas Friedman’s The ...



Questions to consider while reading Thomas Friedman’s The Lexus and The Olive Tree

(Global Issues, PGSIS 2004)

Part 1

• What are the contrasts between the logic of the international system in the Cold War era versus the era of globalization?

• What do the Lexus and the Olive Tree represent?

• Where did globalization “come from”? Who is “in charge”?

• What is the “golden straightjacket”?

• What is the “electronic herd” and why does it love the golden straightjacket?

Part 2

• What is the role of the state in the era of globalization?

• What is “globalution”?

• Why are France and Russia on Friedman’s “sell list”?

• What is the argument behind the Golden Arches Theory of Conflict Resolution?

• Why is globalization a “winner take all” system?

Part 3

• Who are the turtles?

• What does Friedman mean: “globalization lacks inspirational power”?

• What does Friedman mean: “The wretched of the earth want to go to Disneyland, not to the barricades.” ?

Part 4

• Why is the US best suited for the globalized world?

• Why does Friedman call the US the “capital of global arrogance”?

• What are the greatest threats to globalization?

• What does Friedman mean: “You cannot advocate free trade without advocating a strong social welfare safety net (social democracy)” ?

Broader questions:

• How does the current US debate over “outsourcing” fit into Friedman’s argument?

• Which presidential candidate would be the most sympathetic to Friedman’s arguments?

• Which aspects of President Bush’s trade policies have been consistent with Friedman’s arguments? Which aspects have been inconsistent?

• After reading this book, do you consider globalization to be an “inhuman” force?

• Do you agree with Friedman that “no one is in charge” of this force?

• Is there anything “the people” can do to stop, or to alter, this process?

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