ABSTRACT
Assessing the status of gender equality nationally and internationally, and consequently the state of Women, Peace, and Security efforts, is difficult as there are times of great progress, times of stalemate, and times of regression in different substantive areas, and different areas of the world. The promotion of populism, with its divisive promotion of in-groups and out-groups, easily includes a rollback in gender equality efforts. Countries committed to democracy, at home and abroad, must also be committed to education, including issues related to gender. Domestic politics and international relations are inherently linked, and so what happens domestically affects US foreign policy. Countries can reap global strategic advantages by fully integrating women into the national security spheres and recognizing the critical role of women in security issues globally. Consequent to awareness, there is a requirement for more seriously implementing commitments already stated in National Action Plans, including funding, and in some instances expanding those commitments.
