A Gendered Perspective to the International Use of Force

This article examines the interplay between the right to self-determination and the prohibition against the use of force in Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter. The author uses the examples of Palestine and Afghanistan to explore the gendered implications of nationalist struggles and militarization. The author concludes that the continued subordination of women cannot be consistent with the goals of international peace and security, therefore gender issues must be considered in determining norms, sources and violations of international law. This gendered perspective poses a major challenge to the prevailing notions of authority and sovereignty in states.