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

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.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Kansas

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Schloemer, Russell

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Smith, David

• Sociology
• Political science
• Economics
• Famine
• Scarcity
• Stability

Statement dc:rights

• This item is protected by copyright and unless otherwise specified the copyright of this thesis/dissertation is held by the author.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

http://dissertations.umi.com/ku:12161

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:kuscholarworks.ku.edu:1808/10275