| Abstract [eng] |
The central conundrum of this study is to analyze how effectively Iceland is using its soft power tools while also establishing itself as the global leader in the sphere of gender equality. By using the framework and theoretical approach of small states theory and combining it with the theoretical conceptualizations of foreign policy analysis, the main goal of this study was to explore Iceland’s ability to purposefully influence the image of its country and the perception of the country in the international context. This study also aimed to present the reader with the analysis of Iceland’s ability to establish and maintain successful international relations with other states and its ability to successfully secure their political goals and influence in the global arena. The main outcome of this study was a deeper understanding of Iceland’s ways of operating gender equality. The study presented the reader with well-constructed analysis of relevant politicians’ social media accounts, which gave a better look at how frequently Iceland was willing to communicate about gender equality in a time of global crisis. The study also provided findings and drew conclusions on how effective Iceland used its soft power tools to further its gender equality agenda. In addition, this study provided a detailed look into various soft power tools that were used by Iceland to promote gender equality, including its culture and its international agreements. The main findings of the study revealed that Iceland managed to use its social media to effectively promote gender equality and the rights of women and girls during the first year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by using Twitter and Instagram platforms more frequently than its counterparts Denmark and Germany. The study also revealed that Iceland was concise with its promises to the international agreements made for Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; Nordic-Baltic Eight and UN Women‘s Global Innovation Coalition for Change. On the other hand, considering Iceland’s ability to implement its gender equality goals within its domestic politics, Iceland managed to take a moderate position. Although the results that were gathered showed that Iceland’s domestic politics in terms of access to inclusive education regardless of gender and unemployment of women were satisfactory, the same results were assigned to Denmark and Germany as well. Thus, although Iceland didn’t come up as a leader considering the last measure, it managed to secure its leadership position in gender equality by effectively implementing its soft power tools overall. In summary, by effectively using its soft power tools, Iceland managed to establish itself not only as a leader of gender equality but also as a reliable ally to like-minded states. In terms of recommendation and future perspectives of Iceland and its use of its soft power, this study suggest that Iceland could use its status as a leader in gender equality to propagate gender equality better by increasing its visibility in the spheres of culture (literature, films, art) and promote the message of importance, especially during times of global crises. The study also suggests that Iceland should focus more on its foreign policy by increasing the number of female ambassadors representing the country abroad. In addition, this study recommends that Iceland take necessary steps to diminish the percentage of women’s unemployment rate as it is still slightly higher than in other measured countries. To summarize the findings of this study, it is important to note that Iceland managed to become and remain a successful case of small state leadership. With this position, Iceland proves that bandwagoning is not the only option for a small state to stay relevant if the state effectively uses its creativity first. |
