Final answer:
Technology is the primary driving force for growth in global markets, leading to increased competition and globalization, while also contributing to the interconnectedness of global economic issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the driving force for growth in global markets. Of the options provided, technology has been the primary catalyst for this growth. Advancements in technology have led to increased competition and collaboration across international borders, facilitating the acceleration of globalization and the expansion of global markets.
Over time, improvements in communication and information technology have opened up markets, allowing businesses to compete globally. Thomas Friedman emphasized that in the modern era, technology, specifically the Internet, has been the main driver of globalization. The diffusion of technology into different regions of the world has enabled even peripheral and semi-peripheral nations to participate in the global marketplace.
Furthermore, decreased costs in trade and improved technology have prompted nations to form commercial partnerships, while also highlighting the interconnectedness of global economic issues like climate change and terrorism. Hence, global market growth is predominantly influenced by technological advancements rather than by changes in production, borders, or global conflicts.