One sentence summary:
Longitudes and Attitudes: Exploring the World After September 11 is a thought-provoking book that analyzes how the terrorist attacks of 9/11 have shaped the global landscape and impacted world attitudes.
Book genre:
Non-fiction, political commentary, current affairs.
Main topic of the book:
The main topic of the book is the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and their influence on global attitudes, politics, and culture.
Key ideas:
Some of the key ideas explored in Longitudes and Attitudes include:
– The impact of the September 11 attacks on America’s worldview and foreign policy.
– The spread of Islamic extremism and the clash of ideologies.
– The role of technology and globalization in shaping the post-9/11 world.
– The need for cross-cultural understanding and dialogue to combat extremism.
– The importance of collective action and global cooperation in addressing global issues.
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
Part One – “Longitudes”:
– The author reflects on his personal experiences on 9/11 and how it changed the course of history.
– Friedman discusses the shift in the way Americans view the world and their place in it after the attacks.
– He also explores the concept of the “long war” against terrorism and America’s efforts to combat it.
Part Two – “Attitudes”:
– This section delves into the global impact of 9/11 and how it has affected attitudes towards America and the West.
– Friedman also examines the rise of anti-American sentiment in the world and its root causes.
– He discusses the concept of the “flat world” and how technology has connected people and cultures, but also introduced new challenges.
– The role of religion, particularly Islam, in shaping attitudes and perceptions is also explored.
Part Three – “Yin and Yang”:
– In this section, the author focuses on the intrinsically interconnected nature of the world and how events in one part of the world affect others.
– Friedman analyzes the power dynamics between America and other major countries, including China and Russia, in the post-9/11 era.
– He also discusses the importance of preserving individual freedoms and the rule of law while fighting terrorism.
Key takeaways:
– The impact of the September 11 attacks on the world is far-reaching and long-lasting.
– The need for cross-cultural understanding and dialogue is essential in combating extremism and promoting peace.
– The interconnected nature of the world means that events in one part of the world can have a significant impact on others.
– Cooperation and collective action are necessary to address global issues.
– Preserving individual freedoms and the rule of law is crucial in the fight against terrorism.
Author’s background and qualifications:
Thomas L. Friedman is an American journalist, columnist, and author. He has won three Pulitzer Prizes for his work at The New York Times, including one for his coverage of 9/11. Friedman is an expert on international affairs and has written extensively on globalization, foreign policy, and Middle Eastern politics.
Target audience:
The book is targeted at readers interested in political and current affairs, as well as those seeking a deeper understanding of the post-9/11 era and its impact on the world.
Publisher and first publication date:
Longitudes and Attitudes: Exploring the World After September 11 was first published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux in 2002.