The food sovereignty in the context of the neoliberal food regime: a dialogue with the literature

Abstract

This paper contains a dialogue with the concept of food regime. Based on its historical principle, the changes undergone by its identity are treated in the light of different contexts, in which productive structures and related trade relations reflect the evolution of capitalism. After displaying the traces defining the first regime, taking form from the end of XIX century, and of the second, from the World War II to 1970s, this discussion focuses on the neoliberal regime also known as third regime. Its dynamics is, thus, adopted as a reference to grasp the phenomenon of food insecurity, as shown by evidence of malnutrition and obesity worldwide, which has challenged governments and actors of civil society. The literature here discussed follows a historical approach related to political, social e economic aspects. Simultaneously, attention is given to the negative events emerging from the food system in the context of the third regime, and, in line with the notion of development as freedom. Moreover, food sovereignty is brought to light as a necessary agenda for public policies oriented by the principles of human right to adequate food.