Famine and Foreigners: Ethiopia Since Live Aid

In 1984, the world was shocked by images of starving children in Ethiopia. The subsequent Live Aid concert raised millions of dollars for famine relief, but did little to address the underlying causes of the crisis. In this groundbreaking book, Alex de Waal provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the devastating famine that struck Ethiopia in the 1980s and its enduring impact on the country and its people.

Drawing on extensive research and interviews with survivors, aid workers, and government officials, de Waal argues that the famine was not simply a natural disaster, but rather a man-made catastrophe caused by a combination of factors, including:

• Drought
• War
• Government policies
• International aid

De Waal shows how these factors combined to create a perfect storm that left millions of Ethiopians vulnerable to starvation. He also examines the international response to the famine, arguing that while Live Aid did raise awareness of the crisis, it did little to address the underlying causes of the famine. In fact, de Waal argues that some of the aid that was provided actually made the situation worse.

Famine and Foreigners is a powerful and disturbing account of one of the most devastating famines in modern history. It is also a timely reminder of the complex and often unintended consequences of international aid. De Waal's book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the causes and consequences of famine, and the challenges of providing effective aid.

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