Final answer:
Jared Diamond began his investigation into the origins of inequality in Papua New Guinea. His research highlights how geography and policy choices have contributed to global economic disparities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jared Diamond's quest to understand the roots of inequality began in Papua New Guinea. This inquiry led to the development of his theories about how geographical and environmental factors have shaped the historical development of societies and contributed to the disparities we see in power and wealth around the world today. Diamond's exploration goes beyond a mere historical account; it's an analysis of the factors that have led to global inequality.
Many economic problems in the Global South can be traced back to imperial exploitation, with lasting effects seen in high levels of government corruption, poorly developed industries, and the impact of colonialism and imperialism. Meanwhile, in the Global North, countries like Canada, Japan, and Australia are categorized as more-developed nations with higher wealth, illustrating a stark contrast in levels of development and available resources across the globe. The pattern of varying degrees of inequality among nations with similar income levels implies that policy decisions play a role in shaping economic outcomes.