"Guns, Germs, and Steel" is a book by Jared Diamond that explores the factors that led to the unequal distribution of wealth and power across different societies. Diamond argues that environmental differences, rather than inherent differences among people, played a crucial role in shaping the fates of civilizations. He examines how geography, agriculture, and the domestication of animals influenced societal development. The book discusses three main elements: guns, representing military technology; germs, referring to diseases that affected populations; and steel, symbolizing advanced tools and weapons. These elements contributed to the dominance of certain societies over others, particularly during the age of exploration and colonization.