• • Feminist challenged the masculine assumption of human natureinherent in these perspectives, arguing that it neglected social reproduction and development as integral aspects of human nature.
  • They view the global order as a socially constructed hierarchy that perpetuated gender subordination.
  • Feminist criticize the marginalization of women''s experiences in war, conflict, and diplomacy. They argued that women''s voices, knowledge, perspectives, and experiences were often overlooked or subsumed under a male-centric "universal" 

Women’s Participation in Discussing War and Conflicts been

• In international conflict, women are often portrayed as vulnerableand in need of protection, but this perspective has marginalized them from participating in discussions and processes of war.
• There is a masculinisation of the sphere of war and conflict, where women are made completely invisible in spite of theiractive role during war and conflicts such as taking care of wounded persons and becoming prostitutes to support their war torn families.
• Even within the discourse of protection, the exclusive targeting of women through rape and sexual violence is seen as an effect of warand not as a key military strategy used by nations for ethnic cleansing and genocide.

Feminist theories

• Liberal Feminist:
  • While liberal feminist theory does not fundamentally challenge the traditional ideas of IR, it questions the content. Liberal feminists look on the role of thegender gap in global politics and the disproportionate effect of war on women in the form of sexual violence and trafficking.
  • They call for more female participation in high-level politicsand contend that the presence of more women leaders would facilitate peaceful and humanitarian policies.
• Constructivist Feminist:
  • Constructivist feminist theory looks at how gendered identities play a role in global politics.It looks at gender as the core component which influences structures and personal
    • It places emphasis on the idea of gender and how it upholds unequal global material conditions.
  • While liberal feminism focuses on achieving formal equality and individual rights for women within existing structures, constructivist feminism examines how gender is socially constructedand seeks to transform societal norms and power relations for true equality.
• Feminist Post Structuralist:
  • A feminist post structuralist approach talks about binary linguistic oppositions in IR like order/anarchy, developed/underdeveloped, national/international etc, which perpetuate and seek to empower the masculine over the feminine.
  • They are highly critical of the assertion that more women in high-level diplomatic positions would lead to pacifist policies as it seeks to further essentialiseand reinforce certain characteristics as feminine.
• Postcolonial Feminist:
  • It seeks to challenge theassumption of universality of women’s experience across regions and cultures.
  • It is especiallycritical of liberal feminists’ approach of looking at women in the Global South as powerless, lacking agency and helpless or as one homogenous category.

Feminist Approach to IR Relevant in Present Times

• Gender Inequality:
  • The feminist approach highlights the need to address gender disparitiesand challenges traditional power structures that perpetuate inequality.
  • It sheds light on how gender shapes global politics,including issues related to security, development, and human rights.
• Peace and Security:
  • Feminist scholars and activists have challenged traditional notions of security and broadened the concept to include human security,which encompasses the well-being and rights of individuals and communities.
  • They have highlighted the disproportionate impact of conflicts on women, advocated for women''s inclusion in peace processes,and emphasized the importance of addressing gender-based violence as a security issue.
• Global Governance:
  • The feminist approach to IR challenges the male-centric nature of global governanceand institutions.
  • It calls for greater gender equality in decision-making bodiesand promotes the inclusion of women''s perspectives and voices in shaping global policies and agendas.
  • It also pushes for the recognition of care work and the redistribution of resources and power in more equitable ways.
• Transnational Feminism:
  • The feminist approach to IR recognizes the importance of transnational feminist networks and movements. It acknowledges theinterconnectedness of women''s struggles globally and the need for collective action to address common challenges.
  • It highlights the significance ofcross-border solidarity and cooperation in promoting gender equality and social justice.

While feminist IR theories have gained traction, they still remain marginal within the discipline. With environmental policies and non-state actors playing an even bigger role in the global arena, feminist theories have much potential in analysing and offering real world solutions.