Economic Sanctions and Food Insecurity: Evidence from Iranian Households

• In Event: The Political Economy of Security: People, Firms, States and Institutions

Abstract

Economic sanctions are often considered as a humane alternative to armed warfare. However, studies on the humanitarian conditions and public health of the targeted countries question this view. Despite a consensus on the harmful effects of sanctions, these studies, due to the lack of reliable micro-level data, presented their findings at the country level and speculated about those adverse effects at the micro-level. Therefore, there is not enough micro-level empirical analysis of the extent and consequences of economic sanctions on the households and individuals of the targeted countries. Using a unique survey of households, we measure the effects of economic sanctions on the food insecurity of Iranian families between 1984 and 2018 across different socio-economic households. Our disaggregated nutrition analysis of Iranian households over 35 years show that the households living in rural and peripheral areas are the first groups that experience food insecurity. Also, the changes in the pattern of the calorie intake of Iranian households toward more unhealthy food items raise concerns about the adverse mid- and long-term effects of economic sanctions on the public health of the country. Finally, our findings show that politically and economically privileged groups maintain the good quality of their food intake under sanctions. This challenges the efficacy of so-called smart and targeted sanctions.

Authors

• Peyman Asadzade, Arizona State University

• Babak RezaeeDaryakenari, Arizona State University

• Cameron G. Thies, Michigan State University