Normative Leadership Lost? Gender Equality in the EU and the Rise and Demise of Sweden’s Feminist Foreign Policy

With the introduction of its Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP) in 2014, Sweden cemented its position as a normative leader on gender equality. In 2022, however, the new government rescinded the FFP. Based on interviews with EU Member State officials, we analyze how they perceive Sweden’s work with gender equality during as well as post FFP. Our results demonstrate that Sweden’s FFP was in general positively received, but also encountered islands of skepticism. The rescinding of the policy has not changed Swedish priorities, but Sweden is no longer seen as the leader on gender equality, but part of a larger group of leaders.