Abstract

Food insecurity remains a critical global challenge with far-reaching socio-economic and political consequences. 
This study examines the relationship between food insecurity and political stability through a multi-country 
analytical lens. Drawing on cross-national datasets and existing empirical literature, the paper conceptualizes food 
insecurity as a multidimensional phenomenon encompassing availability, access, utilization, and stability, while 
political stability is framed in terms of regime durability, public order, and legitimacy. The analysis identifies key 
mechanisms linking food insecurity to instability, including grievance mobilization, erosion of social cohesion, 
economic decline, competition over scarce resources, and increased likelihood of protests and political violence. 
Evidence across regions particularly Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and East Asia demonstrates a 
consistent negative association between food insecurity and political stability, although outcomes vary depending 
on governance quality, state capacity, and policy responsiveness. Methodological challenges such as data 
limitations, measurement inconsistencies, and potential endogeneity are also highlighted. The study concludes 
that while food insecurity often undermines political stability, effective governance and targeted policy 
interventions can mitigate its destabilizing effects. It contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive 
multi-country perspective and identifying gaps for future research, particularly regarding governance systems and 
long-term causal dynamics.