Final answer:
The primary criticism of Jared Diamond's geographical determinism is that it overemphasizes the importance of environment while underestimating human agency and the complexities of cultural and economic dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main criticism of Jared Diamond's argument in Guns, Germs, and Steel, which suggests that geographical location greatly impacts the chances of a society becoming complex, lies in its perceived determinism. Critics argue that it overemphasizes the role of environment in shaping human societies and downplays the influence of human agency, ingenuity, and unpredictable historical events. For example, environmental determinism in the early 20th century, as promoted by figures like Semple and Huntington, was criticized for its implicit bias, suggesting that certain environments produce inferior societies. Modern critics point to factors such as innovation, economic activity, and cultural exchanges which continue to thrive in geographically attractive areas but also spread through the advancements in technology and transportation that have enabled heightened connectivity and mobility, challenging Diamond's framework.
Critics also note that the complexity of the world resists simple categorizations based on geography alone. The varied economic conditions within the Global North and Global South, as well as the role of racial and cultural dynamics in space and place, like the ghettoization of American Indians, suggest that geography is one of many factors that influence the success and complexity of societies. Furthermore, Richard Florida's work contends that quality of life and tolerance of diversity are also significant factors in attracting and nurturing talent within societies, influencing economic and societal outcomes, not solely geography.