Public Diplomacy And Global Communication

Introduction: A vital aspect of international relations is the exchange of ideas as well as information amongst nations. Public diplomacy and global communication refers to the effect of public opinion and attitudes in other countries on foreign policy matters. This is evident from the impact of the overseas public opinion on Government policy in countries such as Rwanda, Afghanistan and Kosovo, to name a few. There is need for “ a new type of multilateral public diplomacy –retooling embassies to become lobbying and policy-exchange organizations; creating an infrastructure to link up political parties and NGOs across borders to create a common policy space; and planning proactive communication campaigns” (Leonard, et al, 2002, p. 7). Public

The sharing of food, culture and traditions can offer a solution for resolving conflicts. Thesis: A variety of cuisines and culinary masterpieces always manage to grab attention. The way to international peace seems to be through different foods. Food unites individuals. All through time, national cuisines styles have spread naturally through relocation, exchange courses, and globalization. Others have been intentionally bundled and conveyed to outside gatherings of people as a method for communicating a nation's way of life and qualities. This type of social tact, whether conscious or accidental, has been instituted as "gastro-diplomacy”. Counter Thesis: Gastro-diplomacy is not just a matter of cuisine but extends to diplomacy at several levels so it should not be confused with culinary diplomacy. Analysis: Gastro- diplomacy is the act of sharing a nation's culture through food. Nations, for example, South Korea, Peru, Thailand, and Malaysia have perceived the enticing qualities food can have, and are utilizing this exceptional medium of cultural diplomacy to build trade, financial investment, and tourism, and also to improve soft power. Thailand was one of the first countries to realize the value of gastro-diplomacy. The ‘Global Thai Initiative’ started in 2002 aimed at increasing Thai restaurants across the world. The project was phenomenally successful as today, Thai food is well-known, the country, a destination for food lovers and Thailand has its own unique brand image. Similar efforts by South Korea resulted in the ‘Kimchi Diplomacy.’ As per U.S. Foreign Service Officer Mary Jo Pham, South Korea has plans to double the exports of fish and food by 2017 and the country is using technology as an aid to achieve the target. Gastro- diplomacy offers foreign publics the chance to connect with different cultures