The world's sweatshops have mostly been in developing countries for more than half a century now. In that time, people have been able to travel faster, farther and more frequently than in any other age in history.

Thanks to the Internet, they have even been able to connect with almost anyone they please, from the comfort of their couch.

Such ramped-up connectivity as well as society's hyper- consumption have meant that those who control the sweatshops now have the power to dictate what people should do and where the world should go.

That power shift is explored in great depth by geopolitical strategist Parag Khanna in his new book Connectography.

Join senior writer Cheong Suk-Wai to discuss his book at The Big Read Meet from 6.30pm on April 27 in the Central Public Library at Basement 1, National Library Board headquarters at 100 Victoria Street.

Sign up at any NLB e-Kiosk or go to www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary and look for The Big Read Meet.