Review "Why Did Human History unfold Differently On Different Continents For The Last 13,000 Years"

After reading “Why Did Human History Unfold Differently On Different Continents For The Last 13,000 Years?” by Jared Diamond

available online at http://edge.org/conversation/why-did-human-history-unfold-differently-on-different-continents-for-the-last-13000-years

This is what I learned:

Diamond’s major themes and key points

• The reasoning for one countries ability to take over another is due not to one thing but is the result of the chain of causation. One advantage leads to another and another, which then allows one country to have the advantage.
•  Countries with east/west axis are more easily advanced then those of north/south axis. This is due to the fact that north/south axis' make it more difficult for animals, food, people, etc. to travel over the different terrains and different climates. In east/west countries it is easier for animals and plants to wonder to other parts because the terrain and climate are so similar to each other.

What does he identify as the most important determinants to a society’s success?

 

• The success of a country can be traced back to a few things. One being that places with higher populations will give them a greater chance of inventions and ideas, being created and adopted. Also if they are connected to outside cities and countries they can also learn of these other countries inventions and ideas, which will greater their land as well.

 

How can these ideas be applied to today’s global economy?

 

• If countries today open up to other countries and their ideas and resources, then they can all learn some new things. If they maintain these ideas then each country can grow.