Tom Friedman introduces the "Dell Theory of Conflict Prevention", which argues that countries invested together in global supply chains are less likely to go to war as disruptions would damage business. As supply chains have evolved, they have increased stability in countries by making them partners in business. The rising economic costs of war also cause countries to think rationally about resolving conflicts to avoid damaging supply chains. However, terrorist groups form "mutant supply chains" to transmit destruction more easily in a globalized world.

1. The World Is Flat Chapter Fourteen Summary