Food Diplomacy and International Relations: A Review of Food Aid, Agricultural Assistance and Soft Power
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajsde.v5i2.8672Keywords:
Agricultural Cooperation, Food Aid, Food Diplomacy, Humanitarian Assistance, International Relations, Soft PowerAbstract
Food assistance is a means of humanitarian intervention and a mechanism of international relations through which states and international organizations communicate solidarity, pursue tactical interests, and cultivate diplomatic influence. This review examines how food aid, humanitarian crisis response, and agricultural assistance operate as forms of food diplomacy and potential sources of soft power. A structured literature review guided by the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis approach was conducted using 52 peer-reviewed studies published between 1978 and 2023. The evidence was organized into four themes: food aid as foreign policy and soft power; humanitarian assistance in conflict and famine; effectiveness, targeting and market consequences; and agricultural assistance and South–South cooperation. The research findings show that food assistance does not automatically produce diplomatic goodwill. Food assistance thus builds soft power only when it is timely, legitimate, locally informed, and recognized by recipients. Although it can reduce hunger and strengthen diplomatic relations, political conditions, commercial interests, restricted access, and diversion can damage both humanitarian outcomes and donor credibility. The effectiveness of cash, local procurement, and in-kind aid depends on the local context. Furthermore, agricultural cooperation creates lasting value when it promotes local ownership, shared knowledge, and equal partnerships. Soft power is therefore earned through effective humanitarian action, not donor publicity.
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