The Feminism in Feminist Foreign Policy? Gender Equality, Peacefulness and ‘Nordicity’

This paper explores the emerging idea that certain states have started to operate a “feminist foreign policy”, as proclaimed by Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Wallström and patterns identified in Iceland’s foreign policy as early as 2009. The Nordic countries have proudly proclaimed themselves to be champions of gender equality in the international sphere and norm entrepreneurs in the field. But this papers asks whether that is truly a feminist approach, in the sense that it critiques existing power structures rather than simply reproducing them. Can the Nordic states become role models or norm entrepreneurs in applying feminist values to their foreign policy? Is this identity in harmony with the image of the Nordic states as promoters for peace? The Nordic states were influential within the United Nations during the Cold War and a “Nordic exceptionalism” was even accepted, with the Nordics considered “peace loving and rational” in an irrational world. Elements of the Nordic model have been Europeanized and the recognition of a distinct Nordic profile in international affairs is being undermined. Will the feminist identity of the North replace the image of the Nordic neutrality and become the new brand of Nordicity? Is it a novelty or does it build on the same concept? And is it truly feminist, rather than simply a rebranding of the Nordic identity with the patina of gender mainstreaming?