Assessing the Russian-Ukrainian war and its impact on global food security

Abstract

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 triggered a catastrophic disruption to global food systems, exposing profound vulnerabilities within interconnected agricultural supply chains. As two of the world's foremost exporters of wheat, maize, barley, and sunflower oil, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine precipitated a cascade of crises: the blockade of Black Sea ports, the destruction of agricultural infrastructure, and restrictions on vital fertilizer exports. It was against this background that this study interrogated through the lens of Realism and Constructivism the Russian-Ukrainian war and its impact on global food security. This study provides a critical assessment of the war’s impact on global food security by examining its role in disrupting supply chains, triggering acute food price volatility, and exacerbating widespread shortages. Employing a qualitative methodology and framed through the integrated theoretical lenses of Constructivism and Food Regime Theory, the analysis reveals how geopolitical conflict is weaponized through control of essential resources, with devastating consequences. Findings indicate that the war acted as a systemic shock, propelling global food indices to record highs and pushing tens of millions into food insecurity, particularly in import-dependent regions of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The study concludes that the crisis is not merely a byproduct of war but a central feature of modern conflict, where control over food constitutes a tool of geopolitical leverage. It offers urgent recommendations for policymakers, including strengthening regional food reserves, institutionalizing humanitarian corridors, and diversifying agricultural production to fortify global food security against future geopolitical shocks