Creating Famine: The Politics of a Perpetual Emergency in Sudan

Creating Famine examines Sudan's history of food crises and the complex political dynamics that have perpetuated cycles of hunger and deprivation. Through extensive research and fieldwork, de Waal investigates how governing powers have weaponized famine as a tool of control. The book traces key events and policies from Sudan's colonial period through its post-independence struggles, documenting the intersection of drought, civil conflict, and systematic marginalization of vulnerable populations. De Waal analyzes the roles of international aid organizations, government institutions, and local power structures in both alleviating and exacerbating food insecurity. Through case studies and data analysis, the text exposes how political choices and power imbalances have transformed natural resource challenges into humanitarian catastrophes. The work demonstrates how famines arise not simply from environmental factors, but from deliberate actions and policy decisions. The central argument reshapes understanding of famine as a political construct rather than an inevitable natural disaster. This reframing carries implications for how the international community approaches food security, humanitarian intervention, and accountability for mass starvation.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Alex de Waal's overall work: Readers value de Waal's firsthand experience and deep knowledge of African conflicts and humanitarian crises. His academic works receive attention from policy experts, researchers, and students in international development and African studies. What readers liked: - Detailed analysis backed by field research - Clear connections between political decisions and humanitarian outcomes - Thorough documentation of peace processes in Sudan and Horn of Africa - Challenge to standard narratives about famine causes What readers disliked: - Dense academic writing style - Heavy focus on policy over personal stories - Limited accessibility for general audiences - Some readers note outdated information in older works Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - "Mass Starvation" (2018): 4.0/5 (42 ratings) - "Famine that Kills" (2005): 3.8/5 (24 ratings) Amazon: - "Mass Starvation": 4.3/5 (12 reviews) - "AIDS and Power": 3.7/5 (6 reviews) One reader noted: "Essential reading for understanding complex emergencies, but requires significant background knowledge to fully appreciate."

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🌍 Author Alex de Waal spent years living in Sudan and has been directly involved in peace negotiations between different factions in the region, giving him unique first-hand insights into the political dynamics behind Sudan's famines. 🏛️ The book challenges the common perception that famines are primarily caused by natural disasters, instead demonstrating how they are often deliberately created through political actions and policies. 📊 De Waal introduced the concept of "famine crimes" through this work, suggesting that famines should be considered human rights violations rather than mere humanitarian disasters. 🗓️ The research spans multiple decades of Sudan's history (1980s-1990s), revealing how different political regimes manipulated food security for political control. 🏆 This book is considered a groundbreaking work in famine studies and has influenced how international organizations approach famine prevention and relief efforts.