Feminist Foreign Policy in the Global South

The Tido Agreement of October 2022 has placed right-wing groups in the center of political power in Sweden. Sweden became a new member of NATO this year, applying for the military alliance NATO after announcing its abandonment of a feminist foreign policy. Although Sweden joined NATO in response to Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, the move was against its historic stance of advocating a non-aligned policy. Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands, the leading countries pursuing a feminist foreign policy, have increased their defense budgets and promoted the militarization of society.

Perhaps one of the all-time powerful feminist leaders in world politics, Hillary Clinton called control over women a national security challenge. She has also argued that realism is suitable for the theory of feminism. With this concept, she introduced a new term 'fempolitics'. She argued that the idealism of feminist politics is compatible with realist politics and that fempolitics is a pillar of realpolitik.

While in the Global North (Western countries) the articulation, implementation and sustainability of feminist foreign policy are increasingly discordant and contradictory, the Global South (developing countries) have reawakened its hope, potential and utility. According to a report published by LSE IDEAS, a think tank on foreign policy at the London School of Economics, 7 countries in the Global South have openly referred to their foreign policy as 'feminist' out of 14 countries committed to a feminist foreign policy by 2023. Countries such as Mexico, Chile, Libya, Colombia, Liberia, Mongolia and Argentina have already committed to incorporating a feminist perspective into their foreign policy.

When reanalyzing history, countries of the Global South have always been creative in embodying progressive thinking concepts such as human rights and human security. Indian diplomat Hansa Mehta is a vivid example of this. During the preparation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, she made an important contribution to the issue of human rights by ensuring the use of the term "All Human Being" instead of "All Men" in the Declaration together with the American diplomat Eleanor Roosevelt. In addition, Pakistani economist Mahbub-ul-Haq and Indian economist and philosopher Amartya Sen have contributed to the development of the concept of human security, broadening our understanding that development is not just about economic growth. Both the concepts of human rights and human security are key theoretical components of feminist foreign policy.

In the context of Nepal, feminist foreign policy can be made relevant for reviewing internal policy and achieving external foreign policy goals. The 2006 Comprehensive Peace Agreement that followed the Maoist People's War emphasized "progressive restructuring to end existing caste, caste, region and gender discrimination". Similarly, the Constitution of Nepal states that strengthening the federal democratic republican system will be the political objective of the state to ensure the environment for the exercise of democratic rights. In addition, the Constitution also mentions the provisions to protect freedom, equality, property and all citizens through the rule of law and embrace the standards and values ​​of fundamental rights and human rights, gender equality, proportional inclusion.

Nepal has made a meaningful effort to embrace the principle of human security and gender equality in its internal governance, but this aspect has been neglected in its foreign policy. Thus, Nepal is in a good position to incorporate feminist principles while redefining its foreign policy approach through policy priorities.

Commitment to gender equality: It does not include only numerical indicators of women's participation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other organs and institutions of the state. Incorporating feminist principles into the decision-making process should focus on promoting basic equality.

Non-alignment, peace and justice: Nepal has been adopting a policy of non-alignment since its history to maintain its independence and sovereignty. Nepal has been promoting peace and harmony. In the 1970s, Nepal even offered itself a zone of peace in order to stay away from geopolitical disputes. In addition, it has been advocating for increased representation in the global arena on issues of national importance such as human rights, climate justice, elimination of discriminatory trade policies, and expanded access to transformative technologies.

Intersection: Gender equality is not limited to gender concepts as many interrelated systems of oppression exist in society, which influence each other. Intersectionality in the context of foreign policy refers to the need to understand, recognize and address the interrelated nature of violence through the implementation of appropriate policies, programs and strategies. In the context of Nepal, it can be understood as accepting the interrelationship of gender, social class, caste and regional differences in the formulation of foreign policy. It can be indicated in this policy by ensuring the inclusion of marginalized areas and socio-economic groups in the decision-making process and principles of foreign policy.

Human security: It will focus on social security, education, health, governance, climate change, human rights more than borders and military for the security, convenience and prosperity of its citizens. Therefore, this reorientation will coordinate Nepal's foreign policy with its constitutional requirements as well as promote gender equality in its international relations.

Overall, feminist foreign policy in the Global South is positive and evolving. Despite challenges in its localization, articulation, implementation, and sustainability, the commitment of feminist theory to foreign policy shows transformative potential for more inclusive and equitable international relations. As Nepal moves towards stability and peace, it is an opportune time to redefine our values ​​and commitment to a world order based on peace, equality and justice.