Uluslararası Toplantılarda Kullanılan Menülerin G20 Zirveleri Üzerinden Araştırılması (Research on Menus Used at International Meetings Through G20 Summits)

Abstract

In terms of country promotion, the use of food and culinary practices in international relations for communication, negotiation, and cultural exchange is extremely important. For this reason, it is known that food is used to connect with people and achieve diplomatic goals. The importance of the concept known as culinary diplomacy is becoming apparent. This research highlights the role of culinary diplomacy. In addition, it discusses how nutrition, especially the macronutrient composition, affects cognitive processes and social decision-making mechanisms. Studies have shown that changing macronutrient ratios in meals can affect neurotransmitter levels, thereby influencing social behavior. In this study, the document analysis technique from qualitative research methods was used in the data collection phase, and the descriptive analysis technique was used in the examination of the data. In this context, a literature review was conducted on the principles of menu preparation, and themes were developed by the researchers. Subsequently, the gala, official dinner, and lunches served at the G20 summits held between 2009 and 2023 were examined within the scope of the themes created. In addition, this study investigates how host countries strategically presented these menus to showcase their cuisines, cultural heritage, and diplomatic subtleties. This study examines the G20 summit menus from 2009 to 2023, investigating how host countries strategically present their cuisines, cultural heritage, and diplomatic subtleties through these menus. These menus are generally found to contain local, seasonal ingredients and are prepared by blending traditional dishes with innovative techniques. It is evident that these practices can be used as soft power to achieve diplomatic goals.