The Lexus and the Olive Tree: Understanding Globalization

A brilliant investigation of globalization, the most significant socioeconomic trend in the world today, and how it is affecting everything we do-economically, politically, and culturally-abroad and at home. As foreign affairs columnist for The New York Times, Thomas L. Friedman crisscrosses the globe talking with the world's economic and political leaders, and reporting, as only he can, on what he sees. Now he has used his years of experience as a reporter and columnist to produce a pithy, trenchant, riveting look at the worldwide market forces that are driving today's economies and how they are playing out both internationally and locally. Globalization is the technologically driven expression of free-market capitalism, and as such is essentially an American creation. It has irrevocably changed the way business is done and has raised living standards throughout the world. But powerful local forces-of religion, race, ethnicity, and cultural identity-are in competition with technology for the hearts and minds of their societies. Finding the proper balance between the Lexus and the olive tree is the great game of globalization-and the ultimate theme of Friedman's challenging, provocative book, essential reading for all who care about how the world really works.

About the Author :
Thomas l. Friedman's now-classic From Beirut to Jerusalem won the 1988 National Book Award and established him as America's leading interpreter of international affairs. Twice a Pulitzer Prize winner for his reportage, he lives in Washington, D.C.

Review :
Required reading...No one gives a better explanation of [globalization] than New York Times correspondent Thomas L. Friedman....Impressive. The Christian Science Monitor Important Friedman writes in straightforward language that should make globalization's complexities comprehensible. There's a great deal of wisdom in this book. USA Today Friedman gets the economics right. His book is a wellspring of economic common sense that will inoculate its readers against the globaloney' so prevalent in popular discussions of the subject. Foreign Affairs Friedman convincingly argues that what creates wealth has suddenly changed. The Lexus and the Olive Tree makes alarmingly good sense; it educates and provokes. The Baltimore Sun A lively mix of anecdote and analysis full of solid reporting Friedman is eager, provocative, [and] often entertaining .Insightful. The Boston Globe There is hardly a page in The Lexus and the Olive Tree without an underlineable passage .Friedman has used his remarkable vantage point to provide a readable overview that no academic or narrow-beat reporter could have given us .A genuinely important book. Salon " Required reading...No one gives a better explanation of [globalization] than New York Times correspondent Thomas L. Friedman....Impressive. "The Christian Science Monitor" Important Friedman writes in straightforward language that should make globalization's complexities comprehensible. There's a great deal of wisdom in this book. "USA Today" Friedman gets the economics right. His book is a wellspring of economic common sense that will inoculate its readers against the globaloney' so prevalent in popular discussions of the subject. "Foreign Affairs" Friedman convincingly argues that what creates wealth has suddenly changed. The Lexus and the Olive Tree makes alarmingly good sense; it educates and provokes. "The Baltimore Sun" A lively mix of anecdote and analysis full of solid reporting Friedman is eager, provocative, [and] often entertaining .Insightful. "The Boston Globe" There is hardly a page in The Lexus and the Olive Tree without an underlineable passage .Friedman has used his remarkable vantage point to provide a readable overview that no academic or narrow-beat reporter could have given us .A genuinely important book. "Salon"" "Required reading...No one gives a better explanation of [globalization] than New York Times correspondent Thomas L. Friedman....Impressive."--"The Christian Science Monitor" "Important...Friedman writes in straightforward language that should make globalization's complexities comprehensible. There's a great deal of wisdom in this book."--"USA Today" "Friedman gets the economics right. His book is a wellspring of economic common sense that will inoculate its readers against the 'globaloney' so prevalent in popular discussions of the subject."--"Foreign Affairs" "Friedman convincingly argues that what creates wealth has suddenly changed....The Lexus and the Olive Tree makes alarmingly good sense; it educates and provokes."--"The Baltimore Sun" "A lively mix of anecdote and analysis...full of solid reporting...Friedman is eager, provocative, [and] often entertaining....Insightful."--"The Boston Globe" "There is hardly a page in The Lexus and the Olive Tree without an underlineable passage....Friedman has used his remarkable vantage point to provide a readable overview that no academic or narrow-beat reporter could have given us....A genuinely important book."--"Salon "