Food and Power: Regime Type, Agricultural Policy, and Political Stability

This book explores how different types of governments take action to shape the course of economic development, focusing on agriculture and its impact on authoritarian governments. It argues that growth is an inherently politicized process and that agricultural and food policies can influence the stability of these governments.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 251 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The intricate interplay between development and democratization continues to captivate the attention of political science scholars, yet numerous aspects of authoritarian regime behavior remain enigmatic. This comprehensive book delves into the diverse strategies employed by different governments to influence the trajectory of economic development, with a particular emphasis on agriculture, a sector of paramount significance in the developing world. By examining the variation in agricultural and food policies across different regime types, the book sheds light on who the beneficiaries and losers of these policies are and assesses their impact on the stability of authoritarian governments. Moreover, it challenges our conventional understanding of the process linking economic development to political change, suggesting that growth should be viewed as an inherently politicized phenomenon rather than a mere exogenous force driving democratic transitions.

The book explores the complex relationship between development and democratization, examining how different types of governments shape economic growth and its impact on political stability. It focuses on agriculture, a crucial sector in developing countries, and investigates the variation in agricultural and food policies across different regime types. The authors argue that these policies can have significant winners and losers, and their impact on authoritarian governments' stability is a subject of debate.

The book challenges the notion that economic development is solely driven by external factors such as globalization or technological advancements. Instead, it suggests that growth is inherently politicized, influenced by power dynamics, political institutions, and social movements. The authors argue that authoritarian governments often prioritize economic development over democratic values, leading to policies that favor the interests of a small elite and undermine the rights and interests of the broader population.

The book also explores the role of international institutions and foreign aid in shaping economic development and democratization. While international institutions can provide resources and expertise, they can also be influenced by political interests and undermine democratic governance. Foreign aid, in particular, can be used as a tool to promote economic development but can also contribute to dependence and undermine local institutions.

The authors offer several insights into the challenges and opportunities for promoting democratic governance and sustainable economic development. They emphasize the importance of building inclusive institutions, promoting social and economic equality, and engaging with civil society organizations and the private sector. They also suggest that promoting democratic values and human rights can be a powerful tool for resisting authoritarianism and promoting sustainable development.

Overall, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the relationship between development and democratization, offering valuable insights into the strategies employed by different governments to influence economic growth and its impact on political stability. It challenges our conventional understanding of the process linking economic development to political change and emphasizes the importance of promoting democratic values and human rights in achieving sustainable development.

ISBN-13: 9781108701594