Emotions and Gender Equality in European Union Foreign Policy and Diplomacy

Abstract Considering that the European Union ( EU ) has adopted a gender transformative vision for its external policy, why is there no substantial progress in gender equality in the EU ’s foreign policy and diplomacy? Studying foreign policy, diplomacy and gender with a specific emphasis on the role of emotions could help explain why a narrow understanding of gender issues and gender inequality prevails in the EU despite the proliferation of formal rules and institutions. Gendered-emotion stereotypes contribute to a better understanding of why gendered policy areas prevail, to the detriment of the powerful participation of women in EU foreign policy and diplomacy. The study of the role of emotions could be central to uncover the power asymmetries between men and women in EU foreign policy and diplomacy and to understand why men continue to have more power and higher status than women.