GPPi researcher calls for greater representation of women in NATO’s leadership
On 3 April 2014 Foreign Policy
published an op-ed by GPPi Research Associate Lauren Harrison, who argues that NATO’s male-dominated leadership is anachronistic and would benefit from an increase in the number of women in its top positions.
Harrison argues that as the alliance celebrates its 65th anniversary and the designation of the next secretary general, it should also take a critical look at the number of women in top positions. NATO has never had a female secretary general or deputy secretary general, and only one woman has ever filled the position of assistant secretary general. In contrast, she writes, member countries of the alliance are slowly increasing the number of women serving in top foreign and security policy positions, many of whom are suitable candidates for top NATO jobs.
Harrison writes that increasing the number of women in top alliance positions matters for two reasons. First, research suggests that there are tangible benefits to female leadership in organizations such as NATO, including a more democratic and collaborative decision-making process and better outcomes in peace negotiations. Second, increasing diversity would keep NATO modern and would ensure that the alliance embodies the values it espouses.
In addition to drawing greater attention to the issue, she proposes that NATO could begin addressing this gender imbalance by reviewing its selection process for the position of secretary general. The informal system of consultations systematically disadvantages women and makes the process unnecessarily opaque.
Read the full article at Foreign Policy Magazine online.