The master thesis explores the use of food as a tool of cultural and public diplomacy, particularly within the context of official protocol events in Slovenia. It examines how cuisine contributes to the formation of national identity, international reputation, and state diplomacy. The purpose of the thesis is to assess the alignment of culinary offerings (in the broadest sense) at high-level protocol events with the strategic goals of Slovenia’s development as a gastronomic destination. In the theoretical part, the thesis defines key concepts such as foreign policy, diplomacy, public and cultural diplomacy, and the concept of the nation as a brand. Special attention is given to distinguishing between gastrodiplomacy, culinary, and food diplomacy. The following chapter outlines the responsibilities and scope of the Protocol of the Republic of Slovenia and the main types of visits by foreign dignitaries to Slovenia, in which official meals play a significant role. The next chapter describes selected examples of gastrodiplomacy, an increasingly recognized form of public diplomacy, and introduces the foundations of Slovenian gastrodiplomacy. The empirical part of the thesis examines the menus of official meals served during visits of important foreign representatives to Slovenia and evaluates their alignment with Slovenia’s Gastronomy Strategy. The findings show that such meals hold significant potential for promoting Slovenian cuisine and for positioning the country as a gastronomic destination. Menus represent a key material aspect of gastrodiplomacy and, beyond listing the dishes served, contribute to telling stories about ingredients, dishes, beverages, and food culture.
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