The concept of market competitiveness occasioned by globalization has its roots well entrenched in the historical era of the industrial revolution when the demand for market and increasing focus on the quality of products became critical. However, Friedman in his book The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century, indicates that the concept became more profound with the emergence of globalization and intensification of international trade (60). This further diversified the overall scope in regards to production and consumption of different products and services. He posits that the concept of market competitiveness has further been intensified by the onset of information technology in globalization 3.0 that also links markets.
This has made the world a global village. Also, Friedman cites that the emerging trend in globalization 3.0 is a major threat among economies of more stable nations due to the presence of the World Wide Web (79). The latter has turned the once competitive business arena into a common platform(Friedman 200). Though he appears to differ with Ghemawat, who cites that the emerging global trends provide an opportunity for gaining competitive advantage, his argument is correct (45). As it stands now, one would agree that the United States is required to carefully sail towards the emerging forces of globalization so that it may enjoy the prevailing benefits. This may not be favorable at all.
Emerging technologies continue to put pressure on the United States. This nation ought to change its systems to fit the international demands for security, intelligence, and communication. Indeed, globalization has made the world flatter and has also opened new opportunities by weakening poor nations. American-dependent groups and terrorist organizations no longer see their inabilities as the ultimate area of their problems. Owing to efficiency brought about by information technology, those above may easily affect other nations. As a result, Schechner argues that the US has reasons to never feel at ease (35).
Though Ghemawat does not indicate that globalization and technological development have strongly threatened the US in the past, he voices his skepticism and indicates that he would not be surprised if he woke up and got all nations shifting their focus to the east (100). The author further indicates that competitiveness cannot be realized by an organization without assimilation of the necessary change demands. Globalization 3.0 makes the 21st century a highly dynamic era which appears to set many nations free from captivity. This has indeed been a major factor which has augmented global competitiveness. According to Friedman’s view, the need for factoring in change and therefore maintaining market competitiveness for the US is critical (280). This can be addressed by re-evaluating core strategies, changing the course, and taking more reasonable steps as well as a constant assessment of the path being taken by technological advancement.
Finally, the United States is rapidly losing its full control of complete dominance because she is being compelled to obey external forces in a common playing ground. Such forces include politics and politicians who are always seeking to make a political score in cases where one technology is failing to provide the necessary services to protect national citizens and resources. Since political influence is slowly shifting from local to regional and even global arena, it is no doubt that the United States will be faced with a difficult task.
Works Cited
Friedman, Thomas. The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century. Railway Street, BC: D&M Publishers Incorporated, 2007. Print.
Ghemawat, Pankaj. World 3.0: Global Prosperity and how to Achieve it. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Publishing, 2011. Print.
Schechner, Richard. Performance Studies: An Introduction. Abingdon, OX: Routledge, 2013. Print.