The New Rules: Redefining Identity in an Age of Connectivity

Despite my reputation as a fierce defender of globalization's many benefits, I have always been of two minds on the human desire for connectivity in all its recently emergent possibilities. After all, my narrative on globalization began as the "Pentagon's New Map" -- not Google's or Goldman's. Even there, I was never under the impression that connectivity was an instant fix regarding human conflict -- quite the reverse. And I knew instinctively that the primary motive for increased connectivity throughout history has been individual greed for resources, opportunities, influence and -- most importantly -- an improved standard of living.

I've routinely expressed that ambivalence through two simple rules. ...