A Foundation of Dust: Analyzing the Relationship between Famine and Political Stability in Developing States

Abstract

Despite a modern agricultural surplus relative to humanity's food needs and established means of transport, famine remains a threat for several states around the world. It would seem obvious that famine would be a strong destabilizing force, but this has not always been the case. This study compares several prominent famines in Ethiopia (1970-74, 1980-85), India (1966-67, 1971-1973) and Bangladesh (1974) in order to determine what factors resulting from famine actually cause political instability by analyzing historical events through the stability criteria of the World Bank. This research will demonstrate that while famine is economically destructive and often results in political instability, the primary driver of stability or instability after a famine is the relative degree of government intervention for positive or negative effect. This adds to our understanding of government's role in influencing the effects of food shortage upon society and overall stability of the state.