**Feminism**, at its core, is the belief in **full social, economic, and political equality for women**. It originated in late 18th-century Europe and has since manifested worldwide, represented by various institutions committed to women's rights and interests ¹. Let's examine the contributions of feminism in the context of the options provided:
1. **The contribution of women to IR beyond the “high politics” of diplomacy and military strategy**: This is indeed a key contribution of feminism. Feminist scholars have expanded the study of international relations (IR) to include issues beyond traditional state-centric matters, emphasizing the roles of women, gender, and non-state actors in shaping global politics.
2. **The under-representation of women in places of power in international politics**: This is another significant contribution highlighted by feminism. Advocacy for gender parity and increased representation of women in leadership positions is a central feminist goal.
3. **How women defer to men in international relations**: This statement does not align with feminist contributions. In fact, feminism challenges gender stereotypes and power imbalances, aiming for equal agency and decision-making for women in all spheres, including international relations.
4. **How women are subject to violence – from the home during peacetime to war crimes – and this challenges conventional understanding of conflict in IR**: This is indeed a crucial contribution of feminism. Feminist scholarship has shed light on gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and wartime atrocities. By doing so, it has broadened our understanding of conflict dynamics and security issues in IR.
In summary, the third option, **"How women defer to men in international relations,"** is **NOT** a key contribution of feminism. Instead, feminism seeks to empower women, challenge gender norms, and promote equality in all aspects of life, including international politics.
