Gastrofascism and Empire

This book examines the impact of food during the Italian occupation of Ethiopia, revealing the complexities of colonialism and cultural exchange. Gastrofascism and Empire offers a fresh perspective on these dynamics.

In Gastrofascism and Empire, the author delves into the intricate relationship between food and the Italian Empire's occupation of Ethiopia. The narrative explores how food served as a pivotal element in Mussolini's ambitions to establish an Italian presence in East Africa. The regime aimed to redirect surplus rural labor and envisioned transforming Ethiopia into a self-sufficient granary, which would bolster Italy's political standing. Although these grand plans ultimately failed, the cultural exchange between Ethiopian and Italian foodways thrived, leading to the emergence of a unique Ethiopian-Italian cuisine that reflects the complexities of colonialism and resistance.

The book breaks new ground in understanding the dynamics of empire through the lens of food, examining how foodways, bodies, and colonial practices intersected during this tumultuous period. By employing a decolonizing food studies approach, Gastrofascism and Empire sheds light on the lived experiences of both Ethiopian and Italian individuals. It moves beyond traditional colonizer/colonized narratives, offering a nuanced exploration of the emotions, agencies, and subjectivities tied to food within the imperial context.

Cinotto's work highlights the significance of food sovereignty in a landscape marked by racism and mass settler colonialism. The story told in Gastrofascism and Empire is distinct from other imperial narratives, revealing the unique challenges and adaptations that arose from the Italian occupation. This comprehensive study not only enriches our understanding of culinary hybridization but also emphasizes the vital role of indigenous foods in anticolonial resistance and the broader narrative of decolonization.