When Thomas Friedman’s The World is Flat became a bestseller in 2005, it captured a moment of optimism about globalization. Friedman described a world where technology, free trade, and interconnectedness were leveling the playing field, allowing people, businesses, and nations to collaborate and compete on equal footing. The book’s core message was clear: in a flat world, globalization would lift societies, create opportunities, and bring humanity closer together. For a time, this vision seemed to be coming true. Global supply chains flourished, the internet connected billions, and economic growth surged in many parts of the world.

But nearly two decades later, the world no longer feels flat. Instead, it appears fragmented—fractured by geopolitical tensions, economic inequalities, and environmental crises. Events like the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and escalating trade wars have reshaped the global landscape, forcing us to rethink the assumptions on which globalization was built. The systems we once celebrated now seem fragile, and the solutions to our current challenges may lie not in further flattening the world, but in rediscovering the power of local, resilient communities—a vision strikingly similar to the one proposed in Cyril Dion’s Demain, un nouveau monde en marche (Tomorrow: A New World in the Making).

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The Rise and Fall of the Flat World

Friedman’s The World is Flat highlighted how globalization was transforming industries and lives. It celebrated the efficiencies of just-in-time supply chains, the outsourcing of jobs to developing nations, and the rise of multinational corporations. Economically, globalization lifted millions out of poverty, particularly in countries like China and India, where access to global markets spurred industrialization and growth. Culturally, it brought people closer together, breaking down barriers and fostering the exchange of ideas, art, and traditions.

But even as globalization surged, cracks were forming beneath the surface. Critics warned that the same forces leveling the playing field were also eroding local industries, widening income inequality, and concentrating power in the hands of a few corporations. The pursuit of efficiency often came at the expense of resilience, leaving global systems vulnerable to disruption. These vulnerabilities were starkly exposed in the years that followed.

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The Fragmentation of Globalization

Today, the world is no longer the interconnected utopia Friedman envisioned. Instead, it feels increasingly divided. The war in Ukraine, for example, has disrupted energy and agricultural supply chains, forcing nations to confront their dependence on global systems. Europe’s reliance on Russian gas underscored the risks of interdependence, prompting a shift toward energy sovereignty and localized solutions.

Trade tensions between major powers, particularly the United States and China, have further strained globalization. Tariffs, sanctions, and technological competition have created barriers that didn’t exist a decade ago, while nationalist rhetoric has fueled protectionist policies. In this environment, countries are prioritizing domestic industries and regional alliances over global cooperation.

The COVID-19 pandemic was perhaps the most dramatic illustration of these fractures. Lockdowns and travel restrictions brought global supply chains to a halt, exposing their fragility. Suddenly, the just-in-time inventory systems that powered globalization became a liability. Factories shut down due to shortages of components, and consumers faced delays and price surges for everything from medical supplies to electronics.

But the pandemic also revealed a surprising silver lining: communities adapted by becoming more self-reliant. Local businesses stepped up to meet demand, neighbors supported one another, and people rediscovered the value of small, interconnected networks. This shift—forced by necessity—echoes the vision Cyril Dion presents in Demain.

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Lessons from the Pandemic: A New Way Forward

In Demain, Dion argues that the solutions to our global challenges don’t lie in scaling up but in scaling down. Instead of relying on vast, interconnected systems, he advocates for small, independent communities that prioritize sustainability, resilience, and collaboration. During the pandemic, many of us experienced a preview of this lifestyle. Isolated from the global economy, we turned to local solutions. Home gardens flourished, small-scale producers found new markets, and a sense of community solidarity emerged.

This model—of decentralized, self-sufficient communities—offers a path forward in an increasingly fragmented world. Dion highlights five areas where this approach can make a difference: food, energy, the economy, society, and education.

• Food: Industrial agriculture has fed billions, but it has also depleted soils, consumed vast amounts of water and energy, and relied on technologies with uncertain long-term consequences. Local, regenerative farming practices, on the other hand, can produce food sustainably while restoring ecosystems and building resilience against climate change.
• Energy: The transition to renewable energy isn’t just about technology—it’s about decentralization. Small-scale solar, wind, and geothermal systems can empower communities to generate their own energy, reducing reliance on centralized grids and fossil fuels.
• Economy: Globalization has created immense wealth, but it has also left many behind. A shift toward local economies—built on community cooperatives, ethical businesses, and circular systems—can prioritize fairness and sustainability over profit.
• Society: The pandemic reminded us of the importance of social connections. Decentralized communities can foster stronger ties, creating networks of mutual support that are more resilient in times of crisis.
• Education: Instead of preparing students for a globalized economy, education should equip them to thrive in resilient, local communities. This means teaching practical skills, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility for the environment and one another.

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The World Is Not Flat Anymore: Adapting to the New Reality

The challenges facing globalization are undeniable, but they also present an opportunity to rethink how we live and work. The flat world of Friedman’s vision may no longer exist, but that doesn’t mean we’re doomed to isolation or decline. Instead, we can embrace a model that balances local resilience with global cooperation.

This doesn’t mean abandoning globalization entirely. Technology, trade, and cultural exchange will remain essential. But they must be complemented by systems that prioritize sustainability and equity. As Dion’s work shows, small, self-sufficient communities are not a step backward—they are a step forward, offering a way to navigate the uncertainties of the 21st century.

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Conclusion: A New Global Vision

The world is not flat anymore, but it doesn’t have to be broken. By embracing the lessons of the pandemic and the insights of thinkers like Cyril Dion, we can build a future that is both resilient and interconnected. Small communities, empowered by technology and united by shared values, can provide the stability and adaptability we need in a fragmented world.

As we move forward, the question is not whether globalization will survive, but in what form. The answer lies not in flattening the world, but in strengthening its foundations—one community at a time. Let’s take inspiration from Demain and create a new vision for the future: one where humanity thrives not because the world is flat, but because it is resilient, diverse, and interconnected in ways that truly matter.