Final answer:
Geographic determinism refers to the belief that geographical factors influence human phenomena. While some argue for its validity, others reject it due to its association with pseudo-science and its implications for eugenics and fascism. Geography, along with other factors, influences differences between countries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Geographic determinism refers to the belief that geographical factors such as climate, topography, and soil characteristics have a strong influence on human phenomena and characteristics, including cultural practices and societal development.
Environmental determinists in the past argued that advanced societies developed in regions with favorable environmental conditions, while others rejected this view due to its association with pseudo-scientific scholarship and its implications for eugenics and fascism. Jared Diamond's book, Guns, Germs, and Steel, highlights how geography, along with immunity to germs, food production, animal domestication, and the use of steel, contributed to European hegemony during colonization.
Geography plays a significant role in shaping human experiences and outcomes. Countries with different geographical features such as coastlines, mountains, rivers, deserts, and rain forests, offer diverse opportunities and challenges for commerce, health, and the environment. Factors like demography, industrial structure, and institutions also interact with geography to influence the differences between countries.
Geographers seek to understand the cause-and-effect relationships between geographical factors and human phenomena. They analyze patterns and processes on the landscape to gain insights into why certain things happen and how to prevent or maintain desired outcomes. Maps and observations are important tools used by geographers in their research.