which shows the simultaneous time–space convergence and divergence of the world measured in terms of the cost of a minute-long phone call from the USA in 2000. In short, rather than smothering the earth like a blanket, globalization has cast a net across it and this has increased spatial differentiation accordingly. A second point is that it is tempting to run away with the idea that technology itself is driving the processes of spatial shrinking and that therefore globalization is technologically determined. Underpinning technological change are social, cultural, economic and political processes and human agendas. Globalization processes are facilitated by technological change but are driven by much more fundamental forces. The study of globalization has political overtones precisely because it widens gaps, creates unevenness and creates winners and losers. This is why globalization can inspire fear and loathing among some, while being seen as a saviour by others. In short, globalization is about both processes and political-economic agendas.