Ep. 5: The Urgency: The Starvation of Gaza (Prof. Dr. Alex de Waal – World Peace Foundation, Tufts University, USA)

Guest: Prof. Dr. Alex de Waal, Executive Director, World Peace Foundation, Fletcher School of Global Affairs, Tufts University Hosts: Yusuf & Mert Bio: Professor Alex de Waal is a leading authority on famine, mass atrocities, and the intersection of humanitarian crises and international law. He directs the World Peace Foundation at Tufts University’s Fletcher School and has conducted field research in Sudan, Ethiopia, Syria, and other conflict zones. Author of Mass Starvation: The History and Future of Famine, his work has shaped global understanding of how famine is both created and prevented. His research combines academic rigor, field expertise, and legal insight, particularly on the use of starvation as a weapon of war. He has written widely on famine, human rights, and conflict prevention, making him one of the foremost voices on mass atrocities worldwide. In this episode: Recorded on August 7, 2025, this emergency chapter examines the unfolding starvation in Gaza. Professor de Waal explains why the current famine is both extreme and man-made, breaking down the military, bureaucratic, and logistical mechanisms driving mass starvation. He situates the crisis within international law, outlining the legal implications of starvation as a weapon and the responsibilities of all parties, including Germany and international civil society. The conversation also addresses reports of hostages being denied food and medical care, the verification of humanitarian data in a polarized context, and what immediate actions are needed to prevent further deaths. Finally, de Waal speaks directly to young people and civil society about the role they can play in responding to this urgent crisis. This episode was recorded August 7, 2025. Links: Alex de Waal @ Fletcher School: https://facultyprofiles.tufts.edu/alex-dewaal Mass Starvation: The History and Future of Famine (Polity, 2018): https://worldpeacefoundation.org/publication/mass-starvation-the-history-and-future-of-famine/ World Peace Foundation: worldpeacefoundation.org Further Resources: IPC: ipcinfo.org FAO · UNICEF · WFP · WHO Joint Statement: https://www.who.int/news/item/22-08-2025-famine-confirmed-for-first-time-in-gaza Sen, Amartya. Poverty and Famines. OUP, 1981: https://academic.oup.com/book/32827 Disclaimer: Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast team. Technical legal terms are explained in Episode 36 with Prof. Claus Kreß; contested histories are addressed by Prof. Gudrun Krämer in Episode 21.