Paper short abstract:

Feminist foreign policy (FFP) is now claimed by key humanitarian donors, but whether/how it is shaping humanitarian policy and practice is unclear. This paper explores tensions between FFP and humanitarian principles and models, reflecting on prospects for “feminist” humanitarianism.

Paper long abstract:

As more countries adopt the banner of feminist foreign policy (FFP), there is growing debate around whether and how it is re-shaping power relations in international affairs. FFP is itself a nebulous political project, subject to internal division and criticism, but since 2014 it has nonetheless been espoused to varying degrees by the governments of Sweden, Canada, Mexico, France, Spain and Germany, with growing movements in many other countries. Notably, some of the states that lay claim to FFP are also core humanitarian donors, but the degree to which this purportedly “feminist” approach has fed through into humanitarian policy, practice and ways of working has received much less attention, either by advocates of FFP or humanitarian actors themselves.

Based on a review of existing research, policy documents and consultations with key actors in each setting, this paper will explore the intersection between FFP and humanitarian policy, with a particular focus on Canada, Sweden and Germany as key proponents of both. Along the way, it will ask key questions about what doing FFP looks like in the context of humanitarian policy, practice and culture, and what can be learned about the nature of foreign policy feminism and prospects for “feminist” humanitarianism.