Hungry, or hungry for change? food riots and political conflict, 2005-2015/
Edward Newman
- 2020
This article presents new, original data on food riots and protests between 2005 and 2015 and explores the societal conditions in which these events occurred. These conditions include a range of economic, social, demographic, political, and household consumption factors, with reference to a number of conflict theories. The article explores whether instability related to food prices should be seen as an expression of hunger within the most vulnerable and deprived societies, or a demonstration of grievances rooted in broader political contestation. The article also contributes to debates about the methodological challenges of focusing on food prices as a factor relevant to instability and conflict, and the question of whether food riots have significance to broader debates about conflict.