The European Union's International Promotion of LGBTI Rights: Promises and Pitfalls

The book critically analyzes the European Union's promotion of LGBTI rights in the international arena, examining the compatibility of EU institutional and member states conceptions of LGBTI rights and the EU's normative agenda-setting power. It also explores the external policy areas in which LGBTI rights promotion is formulated and diffused.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 164 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The promotion of LGBTI rights by the European Union (EU) in the international arena is a subject of critical analysis in this comprehensive book. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex rights are highly contentious worldwide, with over 70 countries criminalizing same-sex relations and at least 10 imposing the death penalty. The EU, recognizing the diverse positions of its member states, endeavors to develop joint guidelines for promoting these rights externally. However, this endeavor raises complex normative and policy-based questions, particularly in the context of Eurocentric prescriptions.

Drawing on an international political sociology framework infused with queer theoretical thought, the author delves into the apparent tensions arising from Europes promotion of LGBTI rights as liberal human rights and the subsequent pushback from culturally and politically conservative states. The book examines the compatibility of EU institutional and member states conceptions of LGBTI rights and explores the EU's normative agenda-setting power on the global stage. It also examines the external policy areas in which LGBTI rights promotion is formulated and diffused, including development and foreign aid, enlargement and neighborhood policies, and other international organizations.

In conclusion, the author suggests viewing the contention surrounding LGBTI rights within broader governance contexts and reimagining rights promotion in a more holistic manner. This book is of immense interest to students and scholars of LGBTI and Human Rights, European Politics, and International Relations.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367516185