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Mass famines still strike some areas from time to time…

“Mass famines still strike some areas from time to time, but they are exceptional, and they are almost always caused by human politics rather than by natural catastrophes. There are no longer natural famines in the world; there are only political famines. If people in Syria, Sudan or Somalia starve…” quote by Yuval Noah Harari
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““Mass famines still strike some areas from time to time, but they are exceptional, and they are almost always caused by human politics rather than by natural catastrophes. There are no longer natural famines in the world; there are only political famines. If people in Syria, Sudan or Somalia starve to death, it is because some politician wants them to.””

Yuval Noah Harari

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Human political decisions often create famines, while natural causes are rare.

In simple terms: Political choices cause most famines.

Key Takeaway

Address political causes of hunger.

Themes

politics humanitarian food security

Mood

concerned urgent

Type

analytical call to action

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • NGO advocacy
  • journalism
  • academic research

Key Concepts

political economy social responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can citizens influence famine policies?
  • What responsibilities do governments have to prevent famine?
A Different Perspective

Political solutions may be hard to implement due to power interests.

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