Starvation Politics: Colonialism’s Creation of Artificial Famines, and the Pursuit of Food Sovereignty

This thesis investigates the impact of colonial policies on the creation of artificial famines globally. A focus on historical famines is utilized as a lens for understanding contemporary food sovereignty challenges. Employing a qualitative approach, the research analyzes case studies from the famines in Ukraine, Ireland, China, Ethiopia and Bengal to understand how preexisting food sovereignty and transboundary food governance systems were deliberately undermined for external economic and political gain and how their lasting impact has affected local communities. Findings reveal that systemic exploitation and political manipulation have perpetuated cycles of famine and dependency. Further exploration shows that global institutions such as the WTO, often pressure less economically powerful states to open their economies to international competition, which leaves local farmers struggling to compete and increases state reliance on imported food. This process undermines self sufficiency and continues to fuel poverty and hunger, ultimately reinforcing a system that benefits Western and Global North nations at the expense of others.The paper concludes that empowering communities through support of decentralized, communal food systems separate from state control is essential for achieving food sovereignty. This research contributes to ongoing discussions about food justice and underscores the need for policies that prioritize local autonomy over external control. Future research should focus more deeply on the role of indigenous practices in fostering resilient food systems and mitigating the effects of historical injustices.