A recent study conducted by researchers from Washington University in St Louis and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology has tested Jared Diamond’s hypothesis that Eurasia’s unique continental orientation played a significant role in its political and military dominance. The study utilized a comprehensive dataset on culture, languages, and ecology to analyze the potential influence of environmental factors on the transmission of cultural traits. Contrary to Diamond’s expectations, the study found that Eurasia is not ecologically homogenous and that environmental barriers to cultural transmission are not weaker in Eurasia. The study highlights the importance of geography in shaping history, but concludes that it is not the sole determinant. While the study does not provide a definitive answer, it offers a new perspective and demonstrates the potential of quantitative data and analysis in understanding the past.
https://phys.org/news/2024-02-eurasia-dominant-east-west-axis.html