Journal Articles

Anwar Mhajne, & Whetstone,C. (2024). A feminist cybersecurity: addressing the crisis of cyber(in)security. International Affairs, 100(6),2341–2360. https://doi.org/10.1093/ia/iiae234

Drawing on feminist security studies, this article seeks to reconceptualise cybersecurity to focus on people's, especially marginalised people's experiences in the cyber space. In particular, the authors call for applying an intersectional gendered lens to better examine and tackle issues such as technology-facilitated GBV or critical infrastructure attacks. Increased access and diverse participation in policy-making are seen as promoting more people-centred approaches to cybersecurity.

Bjarnesen, M. (2024). BeyondCoping? Young Military Women and Gendered Coping Strategies in the SwedishArmed Forces. Gender Issues, 42(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12147-024-09346-4

Focusing on the case study of the Swedish armed forces, this paper examines the experiences of young women in militaries as male-dominated institutions. Despite growing emphasis on gender equality, persistent masculine norms pose a challenge for women in these environments. Based on in-depth interviews, the article finds that, nowadays, young military women are more inclined to recognise and subsequently fight structural challenges.

Good, E. (2024). Power OverPresence: Women’s Representation in Comprehensive Peace Negotiations and GenderProvision Outcomes. American Political Science Review, FirstView, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1017/s000305542400073x

This paper illustrates that the inclusion of women in track I peace negotiations is positively linked to the development of more comprehensive agreements that include provisions addressing women. However, Good underscores that it is the influence and power women wield in these negotiations, rather than their mere presence, that significantly enhances the likelihood of incorporating such provisions.

Hardt, H., & Hlatky, S. von.(2024). Local engagement and U.S. military attitudes toward gender integration:Evidence from Afghanistan. Contemporary Security Policy, LatestArticles, 1–35. https://doi.org/10.1080/13523260.2024.2391261

Hardt and von Hlatky examine how operational experiences in mixed-gender military units shape soldiers' attitudes toward gender integration. The study finds that soldiers in such units often associate female soldiers' engagement with local communities with improved operational effectiveness, emphasising that these views are driven by instrumental beliefs rather than by a genuine commitment to gender equality.

Malheiro, L., Bessa, F., Reis,J., Saraiva, L., Menezes, S., Machado, P., Gomes, P., & Silva, D. (2023).The implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in theEuropean Gendarmerie Forces. International Journal of Police Science& Management, 26(1), 78–93. https://doi.org/10.1177/14613557231199329

This article examines the implementation of the WPS agenda within the European Gendarmerie Force(EGF), highlighting gaps such as low participation of women, lack of dedicated structures, and failure to integrate gender perspectives into strategic planning. It calls for improved resources, national commitment, and comprehensive implementation plans in EGF operations.

Miller, C. J. (2024).Perceptions of Women in U.S. Army Combat Units: A Mixed-Methods StudyPost-Gender Integration. Armed Forces & Society, OnlineFirst.https://doi.org/10.1177/0095327x241298608

Using primary survey data, this paper examines the attitudes of soldiers in the US armed forces before and after the lifting of the ban on women in combat. It finds that the presence of both women in combat units as well as of female leaders is associated with more favourable attitudes towards gender integration among men within the given unit. The article then goes on to recommend practical steps for facilitating gender integration.

Mirje, A. S., & Girija, S.K. (2024). Feminist Foreign Policy: Testing Times for the Women and PeaceHypothesis. Indian Journal of Gender Studies. https://doi.org/10.1177/09715215241301448

This article analyses feminist foreign policies of Sweden, Canada, France, and Mexico vis- à-vis the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, focusing on how they incorporate the women and “peace hypothesis”, which posits that women are important actors in building a lasting peace. While Sweden and Canada strongly integrate this hypothesis into their discourse, France and Mexico rather focus on gender equality. Yet, none of these countries have been found to highlight women's participation in theRussia-Ukraine peace negotiations.

Molnár, A., & Gracza, V. H.(2024). Women, Peace and Security in EU Interventions: Analysing EULEX andOperation Irini. Journal of Intervention and Statebuilding, LatestArticles, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/17502977.2024.2385053

This paper analyses the implementation of WPS principles in two EU missions—EULEX Kosovo and operation Irini in the Mediterranean. It finds that the same institutional approach to gender mainstreaming yields widely different results due to variations in mission contexts and operational environments. The study highlights that gender mainstreaming can be a foundational element, as in EULEX, or more limited, complementary one, as seen in the maritime operation.

Williams, J. R., Yates, S.,& Connor, J. (2023). Creating a new pathway for change in the military using gender as process. Gender, Work & Organization. https://doi.org/10.1111/gwao.13049

The article argues that the slow progress of gender integration in militaries is due to a limited focus on gender as a category and proposes a "gender as process"approach to better understand the practices that hinder gender equality. Using the Australian Defence Force as a case study, it highlights how this new approach can provide insights into resistance to gender equality and offer more effective strategies for promoting change in military organisations.

Books

Karim, S., & Hill, D. W.(2024). Positioning Women in Conflict Studies. Oxford UniversityPress.

By reevaluating existing literature, Karim and Hill develop a framework to study women's roles in peace and conflict, distinguishing between different aspects of gender uality. They find that the relationship between women's status and political violence varies across different aspects of gender equality and types of violence. Their work highlights the importance of precise measurement in understanding and subsequently reducing political violence.

Shulika, L. S., Ehiane, S.,& Sesa, L. L. (2024). Beyond Rhetoric to Practice: A Review of Women’sPlace Within the African Peace and Security Architecture. In Peace asNonviolence: Topics in African Peace Studies (pp. 197–206). Springer.

This chapter focuses on the vital role that women play in the African Peace and Security Architecture. While theAfrican Union is committed to promoting peace and gender equality, the realisation of these objectives is lagging behind, as women are still heavily underrepresented in conflict resolution and post-conflict peacebuilding, hindering the achievement of lasting peace.

Reports

Fleming, J., Chindea, I. A.,Smith, V. M., & Thompson, N. (2024). Applying Women, Peace, andSecurity Considerations to Cross-Border Disaster Response: British ColumbiaEarthquake Case Study. RAND. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA1944-1.html

This RAND report explores the application of WPS principles in a simulated disaster response requiring cross-border cooperation. It highlights the need for gender-focused analysis, inclusive planning, and training to address inequities and support marginalised groups during disaster operations.

United Nations. (2024). TowardsEqual Opportunity for Women in the Defence Sector. United Nations, NewYork. https://www.un.org/ssr/sites/www.un.org.ssr/files/general/dpo_women_in_defence_web.pdf

This landmark UNreport provides an in-depth analysis of the status of women in the defence sector across selected countries. It highlights that, despite notable progress, substantial barriers persist, preventing women from fully and meaningfully participating in this traditionally male-dominated field. The report concludes with a series of recommendations aimed at promoting gender equality in the armed forces.

Vern, C. (2024). InstitutionalizingWomen, Peace, and Security: Lessons Learned from FemWise-Africa. ANCIP. https://ancip-project.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-11_ANCIP-Policy-Brief_no1_CVern.pdf

This policy brief examines the achievements of FemWise-Africa in promoting women's participation in conflict prevention and resolution and offers recommendations for enhancing its future impact.

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