Can gender come to the rescue of foreign policy? : an exploration into the ways in which the (mis)understanding of gender influences the making of foreign policy

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This paper attempts to provide a broad theoretical background of the ways in whichgender has informed the making of foreign policy. It examines the various types offeminism in the zo century and how they complement each other, criticize each otherand have contributed to critical political debate. Realism as the dominant politicalparadigm of the zo century comes under scrutiny and it is shown how it abets andsupports male domination by cloaking it in neutral language and institutions that appearneutral. Foreign policy objectives are often linked to the national interest, which in itselfis a problematic and contested concept. Foreign policy makers face new challenges todayas the political landscape changes, often driven by multinational corporations who dictatethe rules of political engagement. Not only has the international political arena changeddrastically in the zo century, but so has the domestic arena. Studies in foreign policyattitudes show marked differences along gender lines. Most studies focus on the pacifistattitudes of women, but this paper goes on to show how gendered theories of security,globalization, the environment and human rights could inform foreign policy makers andothers who shape foreign policy agendas.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University