behind the disparities in the development of Earth’s peoples. However, upon thorough examination of the content, it becomes evident that the authors’ objectives diverge significantly. Essentially, it appears that the authors are endeavoring to undermine the framework capable of elucidating the genuine underlying causes of global developmental disparities and to divert developing nations from the path of progress.
Their viewpoint dismisses the significance of geographical conditions in shaping the development of Earth’s peoples. To illustrate this stance, they frequently reference the city of Nogales. They highlight the construction of a wall dividing the city into two parts as evidence supporting their argument.
The city of Nogales serves as a stark example of the disparities highlighted by the authors. Situated on the north side of the wall is the United States, while the south side belongs to Nogales, Mexico. The contrast between the two halves is striking: the northern sector boasts prosperity, cleanliness, orderly streets, educated inhabitants, and longer life expectancy. Conversely, the southern portion grapples with uneven streets, high crime rates, inadequate healthcare, impoverished living conditions, resulting in a life expectancy that is, on average, 10 years shorter than that of their northern counterparts.
Despite these disparities, the economies of both sides are interconnected: businesses from the north export their goods to the south for processing, taking the finished products back for sale or further refinement. This dynamic is driven by significantly lower labor costs in the south compared to the north.
The authors contend that «the stark contrast between the two sides of the same city cannot be attributed to geographical conditions or climate.»7
They argue that the primary factor contributing to this disparity is the application of different laws. However, this raises the question: Why are these laws not implemented on both sides of Nogales?
We disagree with this perspective. The laws in Mexico and the United States were established based on the unique geographical conditions and climate of each country. Mexico’s climate necessitates irrigated agriculture, shaping its state system, laws, and way of life accordingly. Additionally, Mexico’s history as a Spanish colony has left a significant imprint, influenced by Spain’s hot and dry climate where irrigated agriculture played a vital role in the economy. Consequently, Spain’s development lagged behind rainfed countries like England due to the demands and characteristics of irrigated agriculture. It’s evident that both the climate requirements for irrigated agriculture and the social and political legacies inherited from Spain inevitably influenced Mexico’s development trajectory.
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