This book evaluates the major debates around which the discipline of international relations has developed in the light of contemporary feminist theories. The three debates (realist versus idealist scientific versus traditional modernist versus postmodernist) are discussed against the backdrop of feminist activities and theories that were ignored as the field unfolded, and in the context of feminist empiricist standpoint and postmodern epistemologies of the moment.

These draw attention to an identity politics in our theories that often resists debate. Christine Sylvester elaborates a feminist method of empathetically cooperative conversation which can help us to appreciate practices in international relations that challenge the foundations of the field. She illustrates that method with reference to the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp (in the UK) and the efforts of Zimbabwean women to negotiate international funding for their local producer cooperatives