what does thomas friedman meant by the phrase "the world is flat" ?

According to wikipedia:

The [phrase] is a metaphor for viewing the world as flat or level in terms of commerce and competition, as in a level playing field —or one where all competitors have an equal opportunity. As the first edition cover indicates, the title also alludes to the historic shifts in perception once people realised the world was not flat, but round and how a similar shift in perception —albeit figurative— is required if countries, companies and individuals want to remain competitive in a global market where historical, regional and geographical divisions are becoming increasingly irrelevant.

http://mitworld.mit.edu/video/266/

http://www.thomaslfriedman.com/worldisflat.htm

http://www.amazon.com/World-Flat-History-Twenty-fi...

http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/display.article?id=5581

p.s. but for me dont belive that the erath is flat planet is round im sure of bcz wen i ride an airplaine i can can see the ocean is round...

Lot of the business and politicians are dogmatic in their thinking.

level playing field, significantly changed view