Gumbo Diplomacy: How Food is Used to Win Friends and Influence People

Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

Carter School Fall 2023 Peace Week

Fall 2023 Peace Week! Fall 2023 Peace Week will be held September 18th through September 22nd. The Carter School Fall 2023 Peace Week titled Building Peace in Partnership.

Food is a universal expression of love. Historically, it has always played a valuable role in building diplomatic relations and is increasingly becoming recognized as an official “soft power” in many countries' diplomatic tool boxes. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield was thrown into the national spotlight in November 2020, when she used the term “Gumbo Diplomacy” while accepting President-elect Joe Biden’s nomination to be U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.In partnership with "Eats Meets West," this engaging panel discussion will offer a fresh and captivating approach to fostering cooperation, inclusiveness, and cultural exchange through the lens of culinary diplomacy. Our esteemed panelists will share their valuable insights and experiences, illuminating the transformative power of food in diplomatic relations. By shedding light on the remarkable ways food has been employed to build bridges between nations, promote cultural understanding, and drive positive change in international affairs, we affectionately refer to this concept as "Gumbo Diplomacy." Moderator: Mercedes Allsop and Hassanah I. Thomas Panelists: Alpaslan Ozerdem, Dean, Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, Carter School Mr. Melvin P. Foote, Founder and President, Constituency for Africa (CFA)Prof. Johanna Mendelson-Forman, PhD, JD, Adjunct Professor, Conflict Cuisine Project, School of International Service, American UniversityMatthew Wendel, Assistant Chief of Protocol and General Manager of the Blair House. Previously he was the personal chef for Pres. George W. Bush throughout his presidency. He is the author of, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Recipes-Presidents-Ranch-Matthew-Wendel/dp/1931917930" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Recipes from the President’s Ranch</a>.

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