This is an international system that has replaced the Cold War system. Globalization is characterized by integration. With globalization everyone is connected and everyone is empowered, Friedman contends. What distinguishes the two systems is the nature of power. During the Cold War power was a balancing act with states interacting with other states.
Individuals can become superempowered.
So five retired generals using e-mail brought down a major media conglomerate. Smith and his military friends were empowered by technology, Friedman concluded, one of the major forces of globalization.