Seeking to comprehend the changing structure of power and authority:
We are in the midst of a revolution. Some will call this revolution globalisation. Others will call it the knowledge revolution. Whatever we call it, we are witnessing everywhere a changing power equation.
Power is moving from the centre to the periphery. Vertical command and control structures are eroding, and being replaced by horizontal networks of social communities and collaborative platforms.
Unprecedented integration and interconnectedness have created a true global neighbourhood. But there is an underlying paradox. Power is becoming more and more widespread, but it is also becoming harder and harder to harness.
We have a de facto global world, but our institutions and systems of global governance are disintegrating.
Klaus Schwab,
founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum,
Business Report fom the annual meeting in Davos.
A related analysis:
Davos 07: how power has shifted
The unipolar moment of US supremacy has passed.
Power is now diffused between multiple states and groups.
via lunchoverip
Update
Most of us get really excited about such terms as “globalization,” mainly because we associate it with learning how to appreciate a good Thai green curry and being able to buy cheap T-shirts made in Bangladesh.
Tsk. What we really need to worry about is a global uprising among the growing ranks of the poor against the rich. Uneasy statistics.