Scarce Goods as Political Weapons: The Case of Food

Abstract

In the aftermath of the politically motivated oil price rises in 1973 the USA argued that it possessed “food power” that could be used against its foes. In this study from 1976 Peter Wallensteen tries to specify the conditions under which certain commodities could become power instruments, e.g., in terms of supply concentration and demand dispersion. In a number of crucial food products, the US actually had such a powerful position. More specifically, the article demonstrates how food aid has been used as an instrument of US power. Also, possible remedies are presented focusing on change in the background factors, such as supply concentration.