58 pages • 1 hour read
The Lexus and the Olive Tree
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Book Brief
492
Book • Nonfiction
Globally • 1990s
1997
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Lexus and the Olive Tree by Thomas L. Friedman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, explores the idea that globalization is a new international system replacing the Cold War system. It discusses how countries, companies, and individuals can navigate this system, symbolized by the Lexus (prosperity) and the Olive Tree (identity), and delves into the system's emergence, prosperity incentives, backlash, and America's unique role.
Informative
Contemplative
Inspirational
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
9,042 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Thomas L. Friedman's The Lexus and the Olive Tree receives mixed reviews. Praise centers on its insightful examination of globalization and accessible writing style. Critics, however, argue the analysis is overly simplistic and occasionally lacks depth on complex issues. Overall, Friedman's work is considered a compelling, yet imperfect, introduction to the topic.
Who Should Read The Lexus and the Olive Tree?
Readers who are fascinated by globalization, economics, and international relations, as well as those who have enjoyed The World Is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman or Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond, will find The Lexus and the Olive Tree both insightful and engaging. This book is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the forces shaping the modern world.
9,042 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Electronic Herd
The Electronic Herd
A metaphor used by Friedman to represent individual international investors who make global investment decisions, influencing globalization. They are divided into "long-horn cattle" for foreign direct investments and "short-horn cattle" for foreign portfolio investments, with their collective movements impacting economic conditions worldwide.
492
Book • Nonfiction
Globally • 1990s
1997
Adult
18+ years
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