Contested Cuisines: Food and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Contested Cuisines: Food and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Food is not just sustenance; it is a cultural artifact that reflects a community's history, identity, and aspirations. In the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where political tensions and military conflict have often overshadowed other aspects, food remains a powerful contested field. This talk explores the role of food and culinary traditions in this intractable conflict, highlighting how dishes, cooking practices, and cooking books can serve as another domain of conflict. By delving into the history of food in the region and its sociopolitical significance, this talk aims to showcase how food practices have been used by both Israelis and Palestinians to make claims over ownership and authenticity. By shedding light on these issues, it seeks to promote a deeper understanding of the nuances of the conflict and the role that food plays in shaping perceptions and relationships between Israelis and Palestinians.
Prof. Ilan Zvi Baron is a Professor of International Political Theory at Durham University, where he is also Co-Director of the Centre for the Study of Jewish Culture, Society and Politics. He completed his doctorate at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, in 2007 where he was an E.H. Carr Scholar and recipient of an Overseas Research Scheme grant. Prof. Baron's research explores different ways that we experience international politics in our everyday lives. To date, he has written on post-truth politics, the Jewish Diaspora's relationship with Israel, and the international cultural politics of Israeli cuisine. In addition, he has written on violence, the ethics of war, identity and security, and International Relations theory. He is currently working on a long-term research project about political responsibility and dystopian novels. This project is a continuation of his work on post-truth politics.