Applications of contemporary feminist theory and its role in international relations (Singapore as a Model)

Abstract

Since the emergence of the science of international relations as an independent academic scientific field,  various theories and trends have appeared and have tried to understand and explain the international reality and give a clear picture of what is happening within the international system of interactions and influences and the search for tools for stability and peace in international relations. Among these theories is the feminist theory, which is a new intellectual trend on the level of international relations theories,  which tried to give an explanation of what is happening in world politics and in international relations in particular. The main issue that feminist theory is concerned with is the lack of women’s subordination to men or their dominance over women, given that women and the matters related to them are different, low and of less value than men, especially reducing their role in making decision. The Oxford Dictionary defines feminist theory as the recognition of women's rights and equal opportunities to men at various levels of scientific and practical life.

The demand for women’s rights began in the first founding conference held in Paris in 1892, the most important of which are the rights to education, the right to vote, and to have a role in decision-making. During the leadership of countries whose role has increased recently until the number of countries ruled by women reached more than (16) countries, their rule witnessed distinguished leadership at all levels,  especially in managing the crisis of the Covid 19 epidemic,; it encouraged the pioneers of feminist theory to provide the advantages of feminist leadership that achieve political, economic and social stability, thus achieving international peace, security and stability of international relations. The existence of wars and instability is due to the patriarchal world and the presence of men in decision-making and the best solution is the leadership of women who have proven their success in wisdom such as (Germany, Croatia, New Zealand,  Singapore .... and others). This research takes Singapore as a model and it will focus on the Singaporean experience in the leadership of women represented by Mrs. Halima Yaqoub, a Muslim woman of Indian origin who won the election in 2017 and became the eighth president of Singapore without entering an electoral race as no one is nominated with her. The Southeast Asian country is considered the fourth largest financial center in the world and one of the richest countries in the region and the most stable country politically.