Reaching a record high of at least 11.71 billion Euros in 2023, Germany’s recent surge in arms exports raises critical questions about the compatibility of such practices with its proclaimed feminist foreign policy. Notably, amidst this peak, Germany resumed arms sales to Saudi Arabia due to the country’s changed strategic importance in the conflict in the Middle East; yet this was a controversial move due to the country’s human rights record and involvement in conflicts such as the Yemen intervention. The paradox intensifies as Germany also champions feminist foreign policy initiatives, emphasizing combating gender-based violence in armed conflicts and ‘humanitarian arms control’.

How do German arms exports to countries like Saudi Arabia align with feminist foreign policy objectives? Do arms exports inherently contradict feminist foreign policy principles? How do the gender-sensitive approaches to arms control and arms export control mentioned in Germany’s feminist foreign policy guidelines apply to Saudi Arabia? Considering arms exports, how far have the German guidelines changed – also in and due to the Zeitenwende?

These questions are complex and multifaceted. While arms exports can be framed as defensive measures to protect both nations and civilian populations, they can also perpetuate gendered power dynamics and stereotypes. Views on arms exports within feminist frameworks vary, ranging from outright rejection of all forms of weapon violence to demands for greater transparency, ethical guidelines, and gender-sensitive impact analyses. From a strategic defence perspective, arms exports are an important tool for maintaining defence industries, pursuing foreign policies and collaborating with European partners in the manufacturing of joint projects.

The Polis180 programmes Gender and International Politics and European Security and Defence Policy warmly invite you to a virtual panel discussion based on short inputs followed by an exchange of views to critically examine Germany’s arms exports to Saudi Arabia and how this aligns with its feminist foreign policy. Our Panelists will provide insights into the policy landscape, ethical considerations, and potential impacts of these exports on gender dynamics and human rights.