After studying this chapter, you will be able to do the following:

• Explain what flatness means with respect to the relationship between the world’s countries and peoples.
• Define digitization and the concepts of the digital age and the information revolution.
• Identify the key technological changes that have taken place in the modern era, and explain their significance.
• Define the Industrial Revolution, and explain the main changes that took place during its course.
• Explain the political, economic, and social implications of new technologies.