Thomas Barnett: The Pentagon’s new map for war and peace
Written on June 3, 2008
I disagree with some of what Thomas Barnett has to say in this TED talk (especially with the part about ends justifying means) but I’m excited that there is evidence of intelligent dialogue happening on this subject. This is the type of thing that the news channels should be covering. The publicly expressed opinions and conversations that take place among the people in positions of responsibility and influence, a critical appraisal of the current situation and future plans and implications without fear of it going over the head of the average person. Don’t dumb it down, I watch news because I want to learn not because I want to be entertained.
Although having said that, Dr Barnett is most certainly watchable and entertaining. He has an odd type of charisma and a penchant for theatrics which plays well against the serious nature of the topic. His sense of timing is about the same as a stand up comedian, watch how after he makes a joke prior to making a serious statement he waits (standing perfectly still) while the audience quietens down.
And while I’m critiquing his speaking style, what is with the 90′s Powerpoint and the CSI sound effect?