The Fury of the Poor

People living in the world’s poorest countries often spend the bulk of their incomes on food. But with the prices of some staples doubling or more, food has become unaffordable. Despair and shame can quickly transform into violence, note a team of writers with Spiegel Online. An unchecked growing world population, climate change and loss of agriculture land, large refugee populations that cannot grow their own food, biofuels, all contribute to the reduced stocks. The shortages stir selfish nationalism, as exporters hoard supplies and jack up prices, setting the stage for conflict. Protests break out in countries around the globe, and extremist groups move to take advantage of the anger. – YaleGlobal