Diamond, Jared M

Surveys the histories of six countries that have survived social and political upheavals and discusses how and why they survived where other countries have not--from Japan and the forced opening of its borders by U.S. Commodore Perry's Fleet to the ways Australia and Germany transformed after World War II. Forecasts the futures of nations in current crises and remarks on the signs of whether or not they are going to learn lessons from the past and survive.

Discusses turning points for nations in crisis, focusing on how and why some nations recover from trauma and others don't.

Examines the environmental factors that contributed to the history of human life. Discusses the development of human societies on different continents and how they were affected by domestication of wild plants and animals. Reviews localized origins of farming, herding, and food production.

Explores the question of what in the less than two percent of genes has made humans different from apes.

Traces the development of primitive societies showing why some groups advanced more rapidly than others and how this progression explains why various populations stabilize at specific phases of development.

Looks 200 years into the future and imagines that our current civilization has fallen apart by then, just as great civilizations of the past have collapsed.

Presents a comprehensive historical narrative that describes how and why ancient civilizations such as the Anasazi, Maya, and the Polynesian culture on Easter Island failed and fell into ruin and examines how lessons learned from the past can help in preserving the future.

Reveals how tribal societies offer a window into how our ancestors lived for millions of years and provides insights into human nature.

Presents a comprehensive historical narrative that describes how and why ancient civilizations such as the Anasazi, Maya, and the Polynesian culture on Easter Island failed and fell into ruin and examines how lessons learned from the past can help in preserving the future.