Rather than congratulating themselves for simply adopting a feminist foreign policy, countries should focus on how it can serve as a practical tool for responding to crises and addressing threats to human security—such as the current war in Gaza.
Germany has a long—and flawed—history of debating whether values or interests should take precedence in foreign policy decision-making. Feminist foreign policy could provide an impetus to leave this behind.
When it comes to the protests in Iran, critics ask: Where is Germany’s bold new foreign policy? They are misguided, while Berlin, in its response, seems to have forgotten three of its own principles.
Six out of 10 Germans have never heard of the term “feminist foreign policy” or don't know what it means. Therefore, the concept must be communicated in a way that is understandable to a broader public.
The German Foreign Office is currently drafting guidelines for its feminist foreign policy. While the outcome of this process is unclear, three scenarios are possible—but only one is likely.
A credible, effective feminist foreign policy must go beyond symbolic signals and small efforts. It must focus on actions that can achieve real progress.
The concept of feminist foreign policy is flawed and needs to be broadened. Fair foreign policy is an alternative approach that could be less polarizing and achieve better outcomes.
The Greens’ Annalena Baerbock is in place as Germany’s first female foreign minister, while the coalition agreement commits Germany to a feminist foreign policy. But what exactly does that mean?
