Thomas Friedman

Thomas Friedman World Economic Forum 2013

Thomas Friedman, Columnist, The New York Times (15275914641)

Secretary Kerry Sits With New York Times Columnist Friedman for a Conversation at the World Economic Forum in Davos (32368960855)

Thomas Loren Friedman (born July 20, 1953) is an American journalist, author, and three-time Pulitzer Prize winner. Friedman is best known for his work as a columnist for The New York Times, where he has written extensively on foreign affairs, global trade, the Middle East, globalization, and environmental issues.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Friedman was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to a Jewish family. He attended St. Louis Park High School, where he showed an early interest in journalism and writing. Friedman went on to study at the University of Minnesota for two years before transferring to Brandeis University, where he earned a degree in Mediterranean studies. He furthered his education at St Antony's College, Oxford, as a Marshall Scholar, where he obtained a Master of Philosophy in Middle Eastern studies.

Career

Friedman's journalism career began when he was hired by United Press International (UPI) and was dispatched to Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War. His coverage of the war and the complexities of the Middle East helped to establish his reputation as a knowledgeable and insightful journalist. In 1981, he joined The New York Times and has since served in various capacities, including Beirut bureau chief, Israel bureau chief, and chief diplomatic correspondent.

Friedman's work at The New York Times has been marked by his analysis of global issues, particularly those related to the Middle East and globalization. He has been a vocal proponent of the need for the United States to adopt more sustainable energy policies and has written extensively on the impact of technology and globalization on economies and societies around the world.

Books

Friedman is the author of several influential books, including:

• The Lexus and the Olive Tree (1999), which explores globalization.
• The World Is Flat (2005), in which he analyzes globalization in the 21st century.
• Hot, Flat, and Crowded (2008), focusing on the need for a green revolution.
• That Used to Be Us (2011), co-authored with Michael Mandelbaum, discussing how America can regain its historical dynamism.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Friedman has received numerous awards and honors, including three Pulitzer Prizes: two for International Reporting (1983, 1988) for his coverage of the Lebanon Civil War and the first Palestinian Intifada, and one for Commentary (2002) for his columns on global terrorism.

Personal Life

Friedman is married to Ann Bucksbaum, a real estate developer, and they have two daughters. He is known for his ability to explain complex foreign policy and economic issues in a way that is accessible to a broad audience.

Criticism

While Friedman has been praised for his insights into global issues, he has also faced criticism for some of his views, particularly those related to the Iraq War and globalization. Critics argue that he sometimes oversimplifies complex issues and has been overly optimistic about the benefits of globalization and technology.

Legacy

Thomas Friedman's contributions to journalism and his analysis of global trends have made him a significant figure in understanding the complexities of the modern world. His work continues to influence discussions on foreign policy, economics, and environmental sustainability.