Conflicts and food diplomacy: an Islamic perspective

• Main Authors: Busari, Saheed Abdullahi, Omoola, Sodiq
• Format: Article
• Language: English; English
• Published: Mission Soft Foundation 2023
• Subjects: BPH104 Islam and poverty; BPK78 Usul al-fiqh
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/105910/13/105910_Conflicts%20and%20Food%20Diplomacy_%20An%20Islamic%20Perspective%20-%20Islamonweb.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/105910/7/105910_Conflicts%20and%20food%20diplomacy.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/105910/; https://en.islamonweb.net/conflicts-and-food-diplomacy-an-islamic-perspective

The importance of food as the main source of livelihood usually concerns policymakers, leaders, family heads, and individuals during shortages of supply. However, people seldom noticed some diplomacy around food supply and demand in society which usually enhances food security and stabilizes the economy(Wan & Zhou, 2017). Globally, economies of scale have encouraged international trade of import-export of goods between countries which might be challenging in the event of a World War or regional war stocking the movement of food between countries(Mcdonald, n.d.). It is interesting to ask why food is important at every official meeting, event, or conference. The political class has invented the heading “lunch invitation” for political alliances and coalitions. Religious organizations have recently used the term breakfast time, lunch day, and weekend dinner to invite neighbors to enhance inclusiveness and understanding(Epstein, 2002; Busari, 2021). Food diplomacy has been used to promote countries' image, improve international ties, and broker peace between nations especially warring parties or political rivals who are invited for peaceful negotiation and cooperation through dinner gatherings. The global Thai food initiative to expand the number of local restaurants from 5,500 to 8000 to provide food around the world was considered by the Economist newspaper in 2002 as global food diplomacy by the Thai government, perhaps to improve its national image across the globe. South Korean cuisine with an organized culinary event across the world since 2009 was another food diplomacy success story to improve country image and international ties with other nations, especially in trade and tourism(Caroline Sabater, 2021). The United States of America has also explored the potential of food diplomacy since 2012 by creating a committee of 80 American chefs for the advertising and promotion of American food across the globe(The Diplomatic Insight, 2023). The Malaysian open house is a cultural and religious custom where visitors and strangers are generally welcome to the house or center for dining and celebrating religious festivals such as Hari Raya Puasa, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Christmas. Open houses in Malaysia are another food diplomacy strategy to promote harmony among races and to enhance understanding, respect, and tolerance among different cultural and religious groups(Solleh, 2015).