GUNS, GERMS, AND STEEL

Abstract

Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond is an expansive analysis of the factors that have shaped the development and dominance of human civilizations throughout history. Diamond argues that geography, environmental factors, and the availability of domesticable plants and animals—rather than biological differences between populations—are the primary reasons for the divergent development of societies across the world. His book posits that the unequal distribution of guns, germs, and steel enabled some civilizations to conquer others, leading to the global patterns of power and technology that exist today. This article provides an in-depth exploration of Diamond’s thesis, examining the historical, environmental, and social science perspectives that underpin his arguments. Additionally, it critiques the book’s interpretations and discusses its lasting impact on anthropology, history, and geography.