http://doi.org/10.35668/2520-6524-2025-1-02
Fedulova S. O. — D. Sc. in Economics, Professor, Head of the Global Economy Department, Alfred Nobel University, 18, Sicheslavska Naberezhna, Dnipro city, Ukraine, 49000; +38(067)775-76-89; sveta_fedulova@ukr.net; ORCID: 0000-0002-5163-3890
Reziapov K. I. — PhD in Economics, Doctoral Student at the Global Economy Department, Alfred Nobel University, 18, Sicheslavska Naberezhna, Dnipro city, Ukraine, 49000; E-mail: kirillreziapov@gmail.com; ORCID: 0009-0008-9770-3541
FOOD DIPLOMACY AND STARVATION AS A WAR CRIME
Abstract. The main idea of the article focuses on the possibilities of using food diplomacy in the context of not using hunger as a tool of warfare. Food resources are closely related to various aspects of international relations, in particular trade, economy, security, diplomacy, culture and ecology. Awareness of their significance in world politics contributes to strengthening cooperation and mutual understanding between states. The dimensions of food diplomacy, which are vectors of the use of food resources was formulated in the study. The forms of food diplomacy through which states can exercise foreign policy influence in the modern globalized world has been also updated in the article. At the same time, it is noted that forms of food diplomacy should be implemented with the sole purpose of preventing the use of hunger as a tool of warfare and preventing starvation as a war crime and international conflicts. It is emphasized that hunger is so destructive that the use of starvation as a method of warfare is prohibited by international humanitarian law. In summary, it has been proven that the belief that market mechanisms contribute to the efficient allocation of resources, increased competition and cheaper agricultural products has become a risky alternative to a targeted food security policy. In a world where food is not just a commodity, but a strategic resource, control over it can determine the course of history. It is important to understand that starvation as a tactic of war is not a thing of the past, it still plays a significant role in modern warfare. Given its catastrophic and long-term consequences, the use of starvation as a weapon is a war crime. Thus, the world has become interconnected, complex and vulnerable, in which it is easy to use basic needs necessary for survival as a tool in international
conflict.
Keywords: food diplomacy, starvation, war crime, international conflict, humanitarian law.
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