Food is much more than just a basic necessity; it is a cultural bridge that connects peoples, traditions, and identities. In an era where intercultural communication plays a central role, food has become a powerful tool in cultural diplomacy, enabling dialogue and cooperation between different countries and populations.
Through diverse cuisines, messages of respect, openness, and equality can be conveyed. Traditional foods tell the stories of peoples, reveal rich histories, and bring hearts closer together. At the same time, international culinary collaborations create new opportunities to strengthen social and economic ties.
The influence of food in cultural diplomacy goes beyond the kitchen itself; it incorporates values of inclusion, multiculturalism, and the creation of meaningful dialogue. Thus, every dish served at the table can become an ambassador of culture, contributing to understanding and bringing people from all corners of the world closer together.
What is cultural diplomacy?
Cultural diplomacy focuses on promoting understanding and cooperation between cultures through the exchange of ideas, arts, and traditions. It includes activities such as the exchange of artists, students, musicians, and writers, and the production of cultural events. This approach is based on values of mutual respect and the right of groups to preserve their unique cultures.
The field of cultural diplomacy gained momentum in the 1970s, in response to globalization and the importance of recognizing different cultures. Countries such as Belgium and Canada implement multicultural approaches that allow for the expression of diverse groups. However, dilemmas arise when cultural pluralism conflicts with local values, especially in countries where there is the influence of waves of immigration, such as Germany and France.
Cultural diplomacy also plays a role in resolving global and local tensions, encouraging dialogue and the inclusion of diverse identities in a shared space. Such actions, when implemented in cultural policy, are based on principles of equality and the promotion of the common through cultural and traditional inclusion.
The role of food in cultural diplomacy
Food plays a key role in cultural diplomacy, enabling the creation of connections between cultures and the transmission of international messages in a non-verbal way. Through cuisine, countries can create new meanings of collective identity, acceptance of difference, and strengthening international relations.
Food as a bridge between cultures
Food provides a common platform for dialogue between different cultures, transmitting values such as openness and pluralism. For example, countries such as Canada and Belgium, which are made up of different cultural groups, use culinary festivals to showcase traditional foods of diverse cultures. In Israel, the national cuisine is presented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of developing cultural ties with other countries. Such activities create an environment conducive to cooperation and promote mutual understanding through flavors, customs, and culinary experiences.
Food as a tool for conveying social messages
Food can be used as a vehicle for conveying national and social messages by bringing issues of cultural identity and struggles for recognition to the public agenda. In Israel, for example, certain foods, such as hummus or wine, provoke discussions regarding their cultural affiliation and symbolic power in the national space. Similarly, France uses the arts of baking and wine to achieve a national image of excellence and sophistication. Furthermore, local foods emphasize the importance of tradition in the process of identity formation, while their acceptance by broad audiences reflects the values of social inclusion.
Examples from around the world of using food in cultural diplomacy
The use of food in cultural diplomacy creates platforms for the encounter between cultures, the growth of interstate ties, and the expression of national values. Combining traditional foods and menus contributes to dialogue between peoples and the establishment of relations between countries.
Formal meals as a means of establishing relationships
State dinners are a key diplomatic tool used in ceremonies and meetings between heads of state. During these meals, national dishes are served that symbolize cultural identity and are intended to convey a message of mutual respect and openness. For example, the Israeli Prime Minister’s visits to Oman and India included state dinners attended by senior officials from the countries, which strengthened working relationships and highlighted national symbols.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry organizes such meals as part of official visits, using Israeli dishes such as falafel, hummus and shashlik to highlight the country’s cultural uniqueness. A similar example is an official dinner in Paris, where regional French wines were served, becoming culinary ambassadors of the local culture.
International culinary festivals
Culinary festivals provide a platform for showcasing national cuisines and serve to connect diverse cultures. Countries participating in such events create cultural and commercial partnerships. Festivals such as those organized by Canada, which feature foods like poutine and maple syrup, aim to highlight unique elements of identity.
Israel collaborates in culinary events around the world, where Israeli cuisine, which combines Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, gains international attention and demonstrates respect for local cultures and values of inclusion and pluralism.
How food contributes to international meetings
Cultural representation
Food serves as a representation of tradition and cultural values in countries. During international meetings, presenting local dishes allows the host country to show the richness of its national cuisine. For example, official meals during diplomatic visits include unique dishes that emphasize the country’s identity and allow for dialogue among participants.
Shared experience
Eating creates a sense of closeness and connection, especially at diplomatic events. Organizers of international meetings often include meals as a framework for creating a positive shared experience. This experience blurs cultural differences and creates an atmosphere of cooperation. For example, meals that include dishes from several different cultures emphasize multiculturalism and equality.
Communication and dialogue
Diplomatic dinners act as a platform that promotes communication and discussion. Alongside the dishes, participants discuss current events, exchange knowledge, and deepen professional and personal connections. The atmosphere of the table facilitates informal conversations that contribute to improving working relations between the parties.
Image promotion
Presenting unique dishes abroad contributes to strengthening a country’s international image. Culinary events, such as festivals, provide countries with an opportunity to convey positive messages and improve relations with other countries. For example, countries like France use their national cuisine to highlight values of classicism and prestige on the global stage.
Conclusions and recommendations for expanding activities
Future possibilities for the use of food in diplomacy
Food plays a central role in strengthening cultural ties between countries, acting as a cultural bridge between national traditions and values. Possible expansion could include the creation of new platforms and international culinary collaborations.
- Establishing international culinary events :
Organizing culinary exhibitions and festivals in collaboration with other countries can promote local cuisine and strengthen cultural dialogue. For example, setting up culturally themed stalls or organizing joint cooking workshops. - Chef Exchange Programs :
Creating chef exchange programs between countries, in which chefs visit partner countries, teach and present their dishes while learning from the local cuisine. - Using digital to showcase cuisines :
Expanding social media activity and creating online content such as cooking videos and blogs about local cuisine, with the aim of reaching broad audiences around the world and strengthening the image. - Incorporating food into official diplomatic relations :
Including national dishes in official ceremonies and working meetings between leaders, with an emphasis on explanations related to the dish’s origin and its cultural context.
