Peace pragmatism and the women, peace, and security agenda

Jane Addams’s writings and peace activism contribute an early feminist perspective on the ethics of war and peace. This chapter explores the theory and practice of Jane Addams, and its import for contemporary feminist international relations theory and practice. It analyzes the feminist tradition of theorizing war/peace through the pragmatist approach developed by Jane Addams. It critically reflects on Addams’s settlement approach to peacebuilding in her work at Hull House with immigrant women. Revealing Addams’s lasting influence, the chapter explores the peace pragmatism in the evolution of the international women, peace, and security (WPS) agenda. Lastly, the chapter considers the relevance of Addams’s thought and action in light of current global conflicts, notably in Afghanistan and Ukraine. Jane Addams’s rejection of antagonism and her embrace of people-to-people cooperation are helpful in understanding and responding to both conflicts and their implications for women’s rights and security.