Final answer:
Technology and the global economy are the major drivers of globalization, according to Thomas Friedman. Different periods of globalization have been characterized by different technologies, such as horsepower, steam, and the Internet. Multinational corporations also play a key role in driving globalization.
Step-by-step explanation:
In The World Is Flat, Thomas Friedman argues that technology is a driving force behind globalization. He suggests that globalization has occurred in three distinct periods, each driven by different technologies. The first period from the late fifteenth century to around 1800 was driven by military expansion powered by horsepower and wind power. The second period from 1800 to 2000 consisted of a globalizing economy driven by steam and rail power. The current post-millennial era is driven by technology, particularly the Internet.
In addition to technology, other forces driving globalization include the global economy and multinational corporations. Multinational corporations, with their business conducted internationally and wealth concentrated in core nations, play a key role in the global economy.
Overall, globalization is a complex phenomenon shaped by various social forces, with technology and the global economy being significant drivers of its dynamics.