Geographical determinism is the theory that a region's physical geography, such as its climate, terrain, and resources, determines the development and success of its society and culture. Proponents of this theory argue that the environment shapes human behavior, technology, and social organization, leading to certain outcomes in terms of economic, political, and cultural development. Critics of geographical determinism argue that it oversimplifies the complex interactions between humans and their environment and ignores the role of human agency and historical contingency in shaping societies.