Geographical determinism is the theory that the physical environment, particularly geography and climate, shapes human societies and cultures. It suggests that the location of a community influences its economic development, social structures, and even political systems. For example, societies in fertile areas may develop agriculture more easily than those in arid regions. This concept has been used to explain historical events and the rise and fall of civilizations. However, it has faced criticism for oversimplifying complex human behaviors and ignoring the role of culture, technology, and individual agency. Notable figures like Karl Marx and Jared Diamond have discussed these ideas in their works.