Dec. 22, 2020

34: Gastrodiplomacy

34: Gastrodiplomacy
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34: Gastrodiplomacy
34: Gastrodiplomacy

In a world where food can bridge cultures and unite communities, have you ever considered its potential as a diplomatic tool? On this episode, we unravel the concept of gastrodiplomacy with Joanna Mendelson Forman, a leading voice in the field. From the bustling Thai restaurants around the globe to the culinary tourism resurgence in Peru, countries are using cuisine to transcend borders and foster understanding. Joanna shares how food not only breaks bread but also breaks barriers in divided times, transforming social landscapes. Discover how a meal becomes more than nourishment, embodying culture, history, and diplomacy in every bite. Join us as we explore the power of food to unite, inspire, and create change in our communities.

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Gastrodiplomacy

Heard on the Episode

"The table is not a divider." ~Joanna Mendelson Forman (00:03:26)

 

"Coming around the table, the word in the trade is commensality...is one of the most ancient ways that people gather." ~ Joanna Mendelson Forman [00:02:00]

 

"Gastro diplomacy is really about people, citizen food diplomacy." ~ Joanna Mendelson Forman [00:05:45]

 

"Culinary diplomacy is today in the academic world what we call soft power." ~Joanna Mendelson Forman (00:06:16)

 

Key Topics Discussed

  • Gastrodiplomacy & Soft Power

    • Differences between culinary diplomacy and gastrodiplomacy.

    • Use of food as a tool for persuasion and cultural exchange.

  • Cultural Integration through Food

    • How food acts as an equalizer and introduces diversity.

    • The role of refugee cuisine in community engagement.

  • Global Food Systems & COVID-19

    • Impact of global food chains and COVID-19 on food access and sustainability.

    • Creative solutions in urban farming and food waste reduction.

Key Takeaways

  • Cultural Exchange through Cuisine: Gastrodiplomacy enables countries to share their culinary identity, fostering cultural understanding and economic opportunities.

  • Community Building: Food acts as a means to bridge cultural gaps and promote social integration, especially in refugee and immigrant communities.

  • Sustainability Challenges: The pandemic highlighted weaknesses in global food systems, pushing for more localized, sustainable practices.

Tips

  • Embrace Diversity: Incorporate dishes from different cultures to foster an inclusive environment at events.

  • Support Local: Engage with local farmers and vendors to promote sustainability and community development.

  • Educate & Engage: Use food as a medium to educate attendees about different cultures, enhancing their dining experience.

  • Embrace Food’s Unifying Power: Use meal times to foster dialogue and understanding in diverse settings.

 

Useful Links

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Johanna Mendelson Forman Profile Photo

Johanna Mendelson Forman

Distinguished Fellow at The Stimson Center and Adjunct Professor, School of International Service, American University

Johanna Mendelson Forman is a premier expert on gastrodiplomacy, social gastronomy and how food is central to survival and resilience in the world’s most active conflict zones. Her lifelong career working with some of the leading organizations in this space led her to create Conflict Cuisine®: An Introduction to War and Peace Around the Dinner Table – a course and curriculum designed to educate about food security, culinary and gastrodiplomacy and the issues she about which she is so passionate.

Johanna is an experienced subject matter expert who is frequently featured by national media including the Wall Street Journal, NPR, UNIVISION,s and CNN. She has also authored a number of opinion pieces in prominent publications, most recently The Hill (February 2021). In addition, in 2019 she co-edited The Cuisines of Life: Stories and Recipes of the New Food Entrepreneurs of Turkey, adding “book editor” to her ever-growing list of accomplishments.