Hungry, or Hungry for Change? Food riots and political conflict, 2005–2015

This paper 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 paper 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 paper also contributes to debates about the methodological challenges of focussing 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.