Examining ‘gender-sensitive’ approaches to nuclear weapons policy: a study of the Non-Proliferation Treaty

Abstract The past decade has seen a push for ‘gender sensitive’ approaches within nuclear policy-making. Yet the significance of this approach, and how it understands sensitivity’ are unclear have not been studied. This article asks question: does work done on ‘gendering’ policy to date understand what gender sensitive approach weapons means requires? provides an overview movement include in policymaking before conducting analysis discourse core institution politics, Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Through qualitative five years NPT texts, we find that dominant understandings approach’ centre inclusion women. We further there is almost no mention men masculinity discourse; women constructed as homogenous category outsiders; women's understood mainly increasing institutional efficiency. suggest next steps engage more with feminist experiences those already working space, consider if one can meaningfully link practice deterrence. findings study also beyond weapons, illuminating broader dynamics challenges international security spaces.