I think it's easier to understand how countries develop their political views based on what they consume as typical foods.
"You are what you eat" is an adage that I feel extends to the temperament of both the individual and the nation, and because of that, in many ways, the foods a nation consumes become their destiny as to how they will continue to evolve over time.
For instance, most Americans (this isn't a hollywood movie, keep in mind) eat pic related for a meal usually 10+ times per week. A meat sauce is prepared with a stick of cinnamon, spices, and ground beef.(sometimes with ground pork as well) This, along with raw white onions and 500g of shredded cheddar per dish, is used as the base for two common food items: a spaghetti cheese and a Coney-Allen dog, with crackers. Typically, the drink is a very large and cold root beer or coke.