Alex de Waal

In this discussion, Alex de Waal, Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation and author of *Mass Starvation*, delves into the dire situation in Gaza, where millions face starvation amidst political turmoil. He highlights personal stories of families struggling against food scarcity and explores the weaponization of famine in warfare. The conversation reveals the psychological impact on individuals and the urgent challenges in delivering humanitarian aid, emphasizing the historical context of food rations as a method of control.

After two years of civil war, Ethiopia and Tigray have agreed to terms for a peace deal which stipulates that both parties will begin to lay down their arms The plan is to create a humanitarian corridor to Tigray which will offer food relief to more than 6million civilians in Tigray who have been under blockade by government forces for most of the conflict. The war in Africa's second-most populous country has seen abuses documented on both sides, with millions of people displaced and many near famine. Several sticking points remain. Will the Eritrean forces - who have fought alongside Ethiopian troops and have their own territorial claims - also lay down their arms? Without sustained attention from US, African and other donor nations, could the cease-fire quickly fall apart again? Can famine in Tigray be avoided?Chris Morris is joined by a panel of expert guests.Alex Rondos - Former European Union’s Special Representative to the Horn of Africa. Tsedale Lemma - Ethiopian journalist and founder of the Addis Standard publications.Alex De Waal - Author and Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation.Also featuring:Getachew Reda - Spokesperson for the Tigray People's Liberation FrontProducers: Ellen Otzen and Rumella Dasgupta(Photo: Internally displaced women and children in Ethiopia; Credit: Photo by EDUARDO SOTERAS/AFP via Getty Images)

Join leading scholar Alex de Waal and Comfort Ero, CEO of the International Crisis Group, as they delve into the complexities of Sudan's ongoing conflict. They discuss the staggering challenge of mediating peace amid eroded state authority and the influence of regional powers. The conversation reveals the humanitarian crisis's depth and highlights Sudanese resilience amidst adversity. They explore the intricate dynamics of international involvement, arms embargoes, and the necessity for localized peace efforts to foster stability amid chaos.

In this discussion, Alex de Waal, the executive director of the World Peace Foundation and author of ‘Mass Starvation: The History and Future of Famine,’ sheds light on the grim reality of food weaponization in Gaza. He addresses the alarming humanitarian crisis, the psychological toll of starvation, and the historical context of famine as a political issue. De Waal also explores the resurgence of famine worldwide, illustrating how conflicts exacerbate food insecurity, and critiques the effectiveness of current humanitarian responses amidst complex geopolitical tensions.

Join Caroline Bouvard, a humanitarian expert in Sudan, Alex de Waal, an authority on Sudanese politics, and Dallia Abdelmoneim, a political commentator from Khartoum, as they dissect the alarming shift in el-Fasher’s control to the RSF. They explore the dire humanitarian situation, the risk of genocide, and potential partitioning of Sudan. The guests discuss foreign influence, operational challenges for aid, and regional consequences, highlighting the urgent need for effective international intervention to prevent further disaster.

In this engaging discussion, Tom Stevenson, a contributing editor at the London Review of Books, unpacks the Treasury's shift towards financial statecraft post-9/11 and the complex challenges of tracing al-Qaeda's finances. Alex de Waal, director of the World Peace Foundation, delves into the humanitarian crises caused by sanctions, framing starvation as a political weapon. They highlight the tragic consequences of financial policies on vulnerable populations, including the devastating famine in Somalia, and explore the implications of these strategies on global finance and humanitarian efforts.

Alex de Waal, Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation and author of "Mass Starvation," discusses the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where two million are at risk of starvation. He explores how food is manipulated as a weapon in conflict and the psychological toll of famine on families. The podcast highlights personal stories from individuals coping with hunger and the urgent activism surrounding food scarcity. It also critiques the chaotic aid distribution amidst violence, revealing the erosion of trust within the local population.

Alex de Waal, Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation and an expert on famine, discusses the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. He warns that starvation is being used as a weapon in the conflict, comparing it to historical famines. The conversation also touches on the troubling decision made by AOC to fund Israel's Iron Dome, despite her public condemnation of the violence there. De Waal advocates for immediate international action to address the dire conditions facing civilians, particularly children, in this escalating crisis.

Experts discuss the ignored crisis in Sudan, with 8 million displaced, indiscriminate attacks by armed forces, and hopes for peace talks. The role of new US Special Envoy, external influences, and challenges faced by refugees are explored in detail.

Alex de Waal, executive director of the World Peace Foundation and an expert on the Horn of Africa, delves into the recent truce between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front. He discusses the tragic use of famine as a weapon, the complex dynamics leading to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's shift from peacemaker to wartime leader, and the urgent need for accountability regarding human rights abuses. De Waal also highlights the intricacies of peace negotiations and the international community's failures in addressing humanitarian crises.