Single Idea 21001

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / c. Despotism]

Full Idea

The history of famines has had a peculiarly close connection with authoritarian rules.

Gist of Idea

Famines tend to be caused by authoritarian rule

Source

Amartya Sen (The Idea of Justice [2009], 16 'Famine')

Book Reference

Sen, Amartya: 'The Idea of Justice' [Penguin 2010], p.342


A Reaction

He cites the British Empire, the Soviet Union, China and Cambodia. There is unlikely to be a local famine if there is free movement of food supplies.342