Super Short Summary

Longitudes and Attitudes by Thomas Friedman compiles his New York Times articles and diary entries from December 2000 to July 2002, reflecting on the September 11 attacks, the 2000 presidential election, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and globalization. The book begins by examining globalization’s role in weakening nation-states, leading to empowered individual actors like the September 11 terrorists. The first section, "Before: December 15, 2000 – September 11, 2001," explores various global political issues, including Bush v. Gore and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The second section, "After: September 13, 2001—July 3, 2002," addresses America's initial reactions to 9/11 and the broader implications of the attacks. The final section, "Travels in a World Without Walls, September 11, 2001—July 3, 2002," documents Friedman’s travels to the Middle East and other regions to understand the impacts of terrorism and globalization. Topics include acts of terrorism and their aftermath, grief, and violence.