Ever since the evolution of International
Relations as a discipline, from the first great debate through second and inter
paradigm debate to fourth debate, the idea of State, Power Politics, Balance of
Power and the advent of non-state actors such as multinationals companies and
international organizations are central to this discipline. Classical Realism
recognized man, war and state making as its interest. Historically man
especially soldiers were the main resource to display the power of a nation.
Beyond that, liberalism emphasized more on the institutional structure of
international relations. In all these ideologies, gender played rarely any
role. In late 1980’s, feminists explanation of International relations evolved.
The role of women in International Politics, as the secretory, domestic servant or even as the wives of diplomats, has always been important. Gender inequality is a constructed idea. In my opinion, the basis of classical realism, from where the evolution of International Relations started, is flawed because it took into account only Man as a unit of analysis and failed to recognize woman as an important player in international system. Feminists Perspective on International Relation by J. Ann Tickner is a wonderful piece in which she explains the role of women in IR. This piece explains in a very simple and systematic way.
One thing that I find interesting while reading this is the assertion that with the greater role of women in the international politics, the probability of war might decrease and peace may prevail. This is due to the association of war with men and masculinity. An interesting proposition, yet I believe, that it still remains to be tested, as the role of women increases further in the world affairs. And let’s wait for the United States to have a female president to really see if it holds true or not and to what extent.
The role of women in International Politics, as the secretory, domestic servant or even as the wives of diplomats, has always been important. Gender inequality is a constructed idea. In my opinion, the basis of classical realism, from where the evolution of International Relations started, is flawed because it took into account only Man as a unit of analysis and failed to recognize woman as an important player in international system. Feminists Perspective on International Relation by J. Ann Tickner is a wonderful piece in which she explains the role of women in IR. This piece explains in a very simple and systematic way.
One thing that I find interesting while reading this is the assertion that with the greater role of women in the international politics, the probability of war might decrease and peace may prevail. This is due to the association of war with men and masculinity. An interesting proposition, yet I believe, that it still remains to be tested, as the role of women increases further in the world affairs. And let’s wait for the United States to have a female president to really see if it holds true or not and to what extent.
I also find this claim interesting that the chances of war are likely to reduce if more women become involved in policy making as typically women are associated with a gentle and calm attitude.
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