Gastrodiplomacy, the Use of Food as a Tool to Unite Diverse Populations

"Gastrodiplomacy, the Use of Food as a Tool to Unite Diverse Populations."

Speaker Jena Daggett was a McNair Scholar and received a National Science Foundation grant for research in conflict management and peace science. 
Conflict is an ever-present part of life, from the most basic friendship squabble to large-scale wars. Lessening the conflict and increasing peacebuilding efforts can have great effect on issues ranging from healthcare to the economy. While researchers have proposed and studied many tools for conflict management and building lasting peace, few have researched the effect of gastrodiplomatic strategies. Gastrodiplomacy, or the use of food as a tool to unite diverse populations, has become a tool for nation branding during the last fifteen years.  Because of its role as a common feature of humanity, its potential impact on minimizing conflict both domestically and internationally is large.
Conversations in Conflict Studies is a weekly educational speaker series for students, faculty, and the community.  The series, sponsored by PARCC, draws its speakers from Syracuse University faculty, national and international scholars and activists, and PhD students. Pizza is served. Follow us on Twitter @PARCCatMaxwell, tweet #ConvoInConflict.