Reimagining the Indo-Pacific: Using an Inclusive Lens Policy Brief 2: Implementing a ‘Feminist Reflex’ in Indo-Pacific Climate Policy

The Federal Foreign Office of Germany and Kubernein Initiative have taken the joint initiative to consolidate past and current perspectives and understand the extent of gender mainstreaming in the Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on climate, trade and economic security, human and non-traditional security. We consider the centrality of human security in the Indo-Pacific and aim to explore ways forward for shaping more inclusive policies within the region, as well as learn from best practices that may be particularly relevant to Indo-German engagement.The policy brief is part of a series of publications under Kubernein Initiative and the Federal Foreign Office’s joint project. Our perspective is rooted in Germany’s ‘Feminist Foreign Policy’ vision, and Kubernein Initiative’s work on inclusive foreign policy from an Indian context.

In this brief, authors Rebecca Strating and Kate Clayton of La Trobe Asia, Melbourne, argue that Australia and India can work with Germany in the Indo-Pacific, familiarising and embedding Berlin in localised climate change and gender programmes. They point out lessons in Germany’s FFP for India and Australia on creating more inclusive and sustainable policies in the Indo-Pacific. Further, they make the case that as a leader in international climate programmmes, Germany can add valuable insight and expertise to Australian and Indian programmes. They argue that rather than creating new programmes, existing programmes may be improved through more inclusive and sustainable gender-climate cooperation between Australia, India, and Germany, as well as other countries interested in negotiating the interconnected security challenges involving gender, climate and security in the Indo-Pacific.