Food Security and Sociopolitical Stability

Abstract

As with much research that in recent years has examined the issue of food security and (socio) political stability, this volume edited by Christopher Barrett was inspired by the global food price spike of 2007–2008. The volume goes well beyond international food price evolutions as a conflict driver, however. The contributors take the perspective that little can be done to slow food demand in the coming decades, as most arises from population and income growth (Barrett, 2013, p. 3). They therefore focus on possible key food supply stressors over the coming decades for which policies can be conceived and implemented. A broad range of these societal stressors are identified and addressed. Although this set-up is somewhat risky considering the broad range of topics under discussion, the contributors to the volume have made remarkable – and successful – efforts at presenting their issues in a lucid, yet exceptionally in-depth manner.