Diamond Response

In his discussion of historical collapses of civilizations, Jared Diamond points out some of the key reasons for societal downfalls and how this can be applied today.  First, Diamond identifies five factors that are particularly important when considering the collapse of these civilizations. These factors are human inflicted damage to the environment, climate change, enemies, changes in trade, and societies responses to these shifts (409). Diamond demonstrates the role of these factors on various historical collapses. For instance, he brings up the example of the Mayans to show how problems are perpetuated when the people in power feel the effects of the problems the least and therefore ignore them past the point of no return. Additionally, he uses the example of Pitcairn and Henderson to demonstrate the vulnerability of people when they are dependent on trade. Both of these two factors are still very relevant today, perhaps even more so. In a globalized world, everyone is dependent on trade in even larger and more complex ways. Also, the ability of the rich and powerful to detach themselves from problems is greater and more widespread as it does not apply solely to a few elite rulers but rather to the entirety of the developed world at least to some extent.

            Diamond goes on to discuss the role of the environment in determining the fate of historic civilizations, both failed and successful. He provides examples for both societies who managed to survive in poorer environmental regions as well as societies that failed despite their placement in fertile regions. This shows that environmental conditions, though important, do not seal the fate of a group of people. More important are the ways in which people respond to their environments and the related challenges as well as their willingness to adapt. History shows that the environment provides resources that are capable of sustaining civilizations successfully but only when managed correctly. This seems an important note to make when considering the modern day struggle with how best to manage resources and how seriously to consider the environment.

            In terms of enemies as a factor, Diamond suggests that globalization has made everyone more vulnerable and protection almost impossible. Instead of typical military protection, he suggests that it is necessary to deal with the root problems of conflict. This would mean that all nations would see preventing conflict in any nation to be in their own self-interest. Therefore since environmental, population, and health issues and the resource struggles connected with them become a global security issue that everyone would see as worthwhile to address.

            Despite the complex and serious nature of Diamonds discussion he ends his article with hope. He points out that the problems he highlights are human made ones and therefore are within the means of humans to address. People are not helplessly fighting an unknown and unstoppable disaster but rather themselves. Additionally, humans today have the examples of the past to serve as warnings and guidance to the best course of action. Although comforting, this assumes that humans are not too late too save themselves and also that they are willing to do so. Can we really compare the relatively contained civilizations of the past to the much larger and interconnected global system of today? These historical collapses were brought about by factors that are very much in play today but now there are the added variables of technology and globalization both of which can be seen as both a blessing and a curse.  Has our use of technology in our damage to the environment made it impossible for us to repair without even more advanced technology? Has globalization made it too hard to find the political will that Diamond says will save us?