Feminist theory in IR and its Impact upon Foreign Policies: Case Study of Sweden

Abstract

The "feminist theory", which began to appear in the 1990s, represented an addition to knowledge in the field of international relations alongside the explanations provided by the theories of realism and liberalism of the nature of the complexity that exists in international politics, although it took an exceptional perspective in the analysis and theorizing of this complexity and the underlying causes Behind the phenomenon of conflict and wars. The theory was not satisfied with defending the idea that neglecting the role of women in decision-making makes conflicts dominate the relations between nations and peoples, but also showed another positive aspect of this participation represented in its reflection on development and economic well-being. Consequently, "gender equality" has become a goal of many domestic policies, as well as a goal of some countries' foreign policy. However, power, interest, and traditional institutional structures remain the biggest obstacle to the expansion of the applications of this theory.