The Agrifood Policy Hub at the Center for International and Strategic Studies (CISS), Luiss Guido Carli, is dedicated to advancing research and policy analysis on the evolving dynamics of global agrifood systems. In the wake of recent global crises, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the strategic importance of food systems has become increasingly evident. Food systems, once primarily viewed through the lens of international development, have re-emerged as fundamental levers of geopolitical power, deeply intertwined with technology, economic strength, industrial capacity, climate change, and energy. The Hub’s mission is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how food systems shape and are shaped by global power dynamics. It focuses on the strategic implications of disruptions in food supply chains, the geopolitics of critical agricultural inputs, and the use of food as both a source of vulnerability and a tool for diplomatic engagement. The Agrifood Policy Hub is uniquely positioned in Rome, the global capital for agrifood norm-setting, with institutions like the FAO, IFAD, and WFP headquartered in the city, enhancing its capacity for policy influence and international collaboration. The research of the Hub team explores the geopolitics of food systems, including the significance of strategic crops and regions, the role of fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, and water access, as well as issues such as national reserves, export bans, and the fragility of global value chains. The Hub also examines food security challenges in the Global South, particularly in conflict zones and areas affected by climate volatility and investigates the rise of African agriculture as a new frontier for geopolitical competition and investment. Another central focus is the analysis of agrifood markets as arenas of economic and geopolitical rivalry, considering how food trade serves as a strategic lever in diplomacy and how trends like food nationalism and reshoring are reshaping supply chains. The Hub pays close attention to the strategic role of agritech and biotechnologies, including the influence of big tech platforms, regulatory developments in biotechnology, and the implications of precision agriculture and synthetic biology for food system resilience. The Agrifood Policy Hub focuses on consultation and mapping to identify gaps and needs at the intersection of food, law, and geopolitics, engaging with stakeholders from the EU and internationally. This is followed by the definition of flagship research projects and thematic initiatives, as well as the establishment of a network of partners from the public and private sectors, civil society, and academia. The activities include organizing roundtables, seminars, and high-level conferences aligned with major global food diplomacy events, facilitating knowledge exchange among stakeholders. Through its research, events, and collaborative initiatives, the Agrifood Policy Hub aims to inform strategic decision-making and contribute to the development of resilient, sustainable, and equitable food systems. The Hub is committed to supporting policy innovation and capacity-building at a time when food security and agrifood systems are central to global strategic competition
