The relationship between international trade, food security and nutrition is characterised by contrasting perspectives. Some scholars consider open trade as a way to improve food security by increasing efficiency and resilience, while others emphasise the importance of achieving 'food sovereignty' or 'self-sufficiency'. Trade can help diversify diets and reduce costs, but it can also encourage the consumption of processed foods and undermine local production. This complexity is recognised by organisations such as the FAO and reflected in the norms of the GATT and the WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AoA). As climate change increases agricultural risks, understanding the dual role of trade as both a stabiliser and a source of vulnerability becomes paramount. Trade can mitigate local shocks, but it can also amplify external disruptions and create new vulnerabilities. Network analysis is emerging as a key tool to examine systemic risks and cascading effects, highlighting the need for more effective strategies to manage food supply volatility.
