Gastrodiplomacy: opportunity for economic well-being

 History, being a great testament, has shown how the tools of diplomacy have evolved from the Greeks era to the present 21^st-century nation-state system. Diplomacy, a soft tool, was/ is used as a tool to mitigate the bellicosity, if it exists, between the states and move them closer to each other, in a short period. With the advent of globalization- the interconnectedness of states-, gastro diplomacy has occupied a new place in the field of diplomacy. In it, food is being used as a tool to achieve diplomatic goals, depending upon state interests. This importance of food can be judged by Savarin (2014); “Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are. For a country to display itself on the strength of food, it requires a national cuisine upon which to establish itself”. Food, an essential element for human existence, continuously has/ is playing a profound role in international affairs.

Gastro diplomacy, like cultural diplomacy and soft power, is presented through tourism, being catalyzed by the diaspora or the expatriates of state, residing abroad. Tourism plays a vital role for many states, especially the rich south Asian states due to their rich spices history, for the diffusion of gastro diplomacy, consequently helping the state heath economically and financially. Among these states, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia extract a large proportion of their GDP from their tourism industry.  E.g. Thailand, being famous for Thai food, attract a large proportion of people from all around the globe. As a result, it not only burgeon the economy but also heals the identity of any state, who so is going through a turmoil situation e.g. Pakistan.

 Pakistan, since its inception, being hit from all dimensions (political and economic) has left it unstable and its economy in a stagnant position. However, it is this food that can polish the spoiled picture and present it positively, before the world community. Therefore Pakistan, being a multi-lingual and multi-cultural society, can avail this opportunity and present a positive side of it. The multi-ethnic and multicultural society can produce a plethora variety of culture-based food. Therefore, this food can be used as a catalyst for public diplomacy.eg Peshawar, the capital of KPK, attracts the bulk of people from inside and out of Pakistan just for a special dish, known as Dam pokh. As a result, Peshawar has become a spot for tourists. These tourist not only fulfill the basic necessities of people, but, rather it also improve the wrong image that was constructed, through media, during the time of Global war on terror.