It was asked whether Thomas Friedman or William Duiker were right in their views on globalization and fragmentation. It seems that both authors are right and that their reasons are interconnected. If the world has become closer due to economic markets and the Internet, this makes the debate about whether the world is flat relevant (William Duiker, 2010). Thomas Friedman says technology is leveling the playing fields between rich and poor countries. The fact that other countries are catching up and even mastering the technology in some cases allows them to play on the same playing field as the United States and other superpowers. The telephony and IT industry has made tremendous progress and sees countries like China and India entering the global market as fierce competitors. Friedman calls this the leveling or flattening of the universe due to the ability to invent and create demand that brings in revenue that can change a country's outlook from a third world (poor) or growing nation (Thomas Friedman, 2006). for Friedman, globalization has played a significant role in narrowing the world landscape and makes international things appear more national or local. This started about thirty years ago, but took off after 9/11. Globalization has accelerated the global modernization of life faster than at any time in the history of the world, and is supporting astonishing economic growth (Thomas Friedman, 2006). uses a term called glocalization, where cultures blend foreign ideas and global best practices with their own traditions to ensure a better form of life. Countries that are open and willing to change... in the center of the paper... are said to make relevant points. In an ideal world Thomas Friedman would be absolutely right that technology bridges the gap between all societies, but as William Duiker suggested we have run into setbacks. In today's world we are experiencing an economic meltdown in almost every developed nation, including the United States. The WTO has made trade and outsourcing jobs easier and has also contributed to economic decline with job losses. This could be the clash of civilizations because it could push developed nations back into poverty if we don't have the resources to take care of ourselves. Works Cited Duiker, William J. Contemporary World History. 5th ed. Boston: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, 2010. Print.Friedman, Thomas L. The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2006. Print.