The Enduring Role of Conflict in the Perpetuation of Famine: Advancing 'The Right to Adequate Food' for Sustainable Peace
The present thesis evaluates developments and trends in global conflict dynamics, global systems of governance, and global hunger. Together, the thesis investigates and upholds the notion that famine is a ‘man-made’ phenomenon and explains how famine persists in a world abundant with food. Through analysis and research the following is found: the occurrence of global conflict is accelerating alongside an increase in the severity of organized violence dynamics; global authoritarianism is expanding presenting a threat to global freedoms and liberal democracy; as these trends are occurring, world hunger is steadily on the rise reflecting a significant backsliding of progress achieved on the elimination of hunger and malnutrition. These current global developments and trends have been analytically identified and historically documented as significant risk factors and drivers of acute food insecurity and famine. Therefore, the author conceptualizes the convergence of these trends into a ‘polycrisis’ which supports and strengthens forces capable to cause or give rise to famine-like conditions. Two arguments are made for why the international community must respond to threats of increased hunger and malnutrition: first, the pragmatic case, as hunger remains a barrier to sustainable development and the achievement of the 2030 Agenda; second, a human rights-based approach, as 'the right to adequate food' is grounded in an evolution of international standards and international human rights. Prominent actors working toward the eradication of global hunger, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Food Programme, identify conflict as the principal driver of famine. Recognizing conflict’s critical role in famine’s perpetuation, this thesis evaluates conflict-related food security impacts to highlight the mutually reinforcing dynamics of conflict and acute food insecurity. Yemen is presented as a case study to underscore the cycle of hunger and conflict while an analysis of Russia's invasion of Ukraine is given to demonstrate the ‘ripple effects’ of war on the global food system – now causing ‘collateral-hunger’ in places including Yemen. To break the cycle of hunger and conflict, this thesis reasons for peace and peacebuilding as a tool in the eradication of global hunger and malnutrition, and conversely, argues for 'the right to adequate food' to be integrated across the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus.
Conflict, Famine, Food Insecurity, Human Rights, Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus, Yemen, Emergency and Disaster Management, Food Security, Food Studies, Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law, International Law, International Relations, Military, War, and Peace, Near and Middle Eastern Studies, Other International and Area Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, Terrorism Studies
City University of New York - City College
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