Carrot Strategy: How Vegetables Become a Weapon Securitization in a Country's Security

Jakarta 20 April 2024 

From Garden to Guardian: Carrots in Wartime Strategy

Carrots as a vegetable that has been commonly consumed among the public, suprisingly have played an important role during the time of the second world war. Amid the pressure of war and limited food supplies, the British government found creative ways to maintain the stability of their country's national security by promoting carrot consumption, an effort to safeguard public health and support their national strength. The campaign aimed to compensate for the shortage of other food sources implications of the blockade food restrictions at sea by Germany.

The German blockade was a strategic move designed to cut off essential supplies to Britain, aiming to weaken the nation by severing its supply lines. By targeting maritime routes, Germany intended to isolate Britain and create a scarcity of vital resources, including food. This tactic was part of the broader Battle of the Atlantic, where German U-boats and naval forces sought to dominate the sea lanes and prevent the Allies from receiving supplies from across the world. As detailed by H.P. Willmott in "The Great Crusade: A New Complete History of the Second World War," the blockade significantly strained Britain's food supply, necessitating innovative solutions to ensure the population remained nourished and morale stayed high .

In response to the blockade, the British government launched several initiatives to promote self-sufficiency and resourcefulness among its citizens. One notable effort was the "Dig for Victory" campaign, which encouraged people to grow their own vegetables, including carrots, in gardens and allotments. By promoting the consumption of carrots, the government aimed to address both the nutritional needs of the public and the oversupply of this particular crop. The clever use of propaganda, such as claiming that carrots could improve night vision, further embedded the vegetable into the wartime narrative, linking it directly to national security efforts. Thus, the humble carrot became a symbol of resilience and ingenuity in the face of adversity .

The Role of Carrots in Wartime Britain

By the autumn of 1940, as the war in Great Britain had subsided, the German Luftwafe had begun a new phase of war, a blitzkrieg that caused parts of England, especially London, to impose city-wide blackouts. With the aim of hiding the advanced technology of the RAF (Royal Air Force) which is a secret that blocks Luftwafe attacks from nowhere. 

In her book Dig for Victory: The Story of Wartime Gardening in Britain, Kate Murphy details how the British government launched the "Dig for Victory" campaign to address these food shortages. The campaign encouraged citizens to cultivate their own vegetables, including carrots, in home gardens, public parks, and vacant lots. This widespread effort helped to reduce the nation's dependence on imported food, bolster public health, and boost morale during the war. 

Securitizing Carrots: Applying Barry Buzan's Theory in Wartime Britain

This phenomenon eventually made the British government at that time to say "carrots can improve eye health to aid night vision and RAF night flight success" in their newspapers. Instead of the truth that is, carrying out securitization actions by promoting the consumption of carrots.