Gender-responsive approaches to countering state threats: a policy brief
Think tank: RUSI
Author(s): Dr Jessica White; Michael Jones
June 11, 2026
This report from UK think tank RUSI explores how intersectional gender analysis strengthens understanding of and defence against state threats.
This paper demonstrates how integrating intersectional gender analysis enhances defence and security strategies against state threats by exploring why it has been absent and the basis for including it.
Key Recommendations:
Build the evidence base with intersectional, gender-sensitive data collection.
Mainstream gender comprehensively, including at the institutional and substantive levels.
Integrate gendered indicators in state threat assessments.
Design inclusive, gender-responsive interventions and strengthen partnerships with local and feminist civil society actors.
These recommendations ensure more effective, resilient and impactful responses to state and hybrid threats.
