Description
In the past decade feminist foreign policies have emerged across a range of countries as an ethical alternative to orthodox realpolitik. Rather than reproducing masculinist values and gender inequalities FFPs seek to further gender equality and justice globally. However, to date few studies have addressed FFP states’ implication in processes of militarism and armament. In this paper we explore the relevance of FFP in times of war, not least Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We reflect on the inconsistencies between FFP and militarism and war and set out a case for a feminist approach to FFPs that does not omit defence and the military. In so doing we draw upon feminist approaches to just war, highlighting the significance of studying war as embodied experience and addressing issues pertaining to self defence and pacifism. Our analysis rests on feminist narrative approaches enabling a critical analysis of the militarising underpinnings of FFPs.
