In fall 2014 Sweden’s newly appointed foreign minister notified Parliament that the government proposed to implement a “feminist foreign policy”. However, it was unclear for a long time what the policy consisted of. This new policy was also criticized strongly by conservative politicians, often leading to dismissal.
After a year of the current ruling government, feminist foreign policy has been concretized. According to Wallström, it will focus on women’s rights, resources and representation, which in practice means that the government is adopting a liberal feminist direction.
In the report “Feminist Foreign Policy” Carl Albinsson clarifies the concrete substance of the government’s feminist foreign policy. By analyzing the Foreign Ministry’s official communication, Albinsson comes to the conclusion that aside from the name, “feminist foreign policy” doesn’t distinguish itself from the conservative government’s earlier foreign policy.
– The government’s foreign policy actions should be criticized for its symbolic image, rather than for its actual engagement in securing women’s rights across the world, said Carl Albinsson.
Carl Albinsson holds a masters degree in political science from the National Defense University, with a focus on crisis management and international cooperation. In spring 2015 he was an intern at Sweden’s embassy in Oslo. Carl is also a board member of the Swedish Atlantic Council.