Elise Rainer | How LGBTI Rights Became a Pillar of US and Swedish Foreign Policy (2.17.22)

Center for West European Studies & EU Jean Monnet Center

Elise Rainer (Ph.D. International Studies 2016) is Affiliate Assistant Professor at the University of Washington Department of Scandinavian Studies and Co-Founder of Aurora Global Advisors, a consulting firm that advises foreign policy leaders and organizations on human rights and justice global programs. She is a former diplomat with the U.S. State Department, U.S. Mission to the United Nations, and USAID. Along with her recent book on LGBTI rights in foreign policy, Dr. Rainer has published in numerous foreign policy outlets including: Foreign Policy, Democracy and Security. Diplomacy & Statecraft, and NPR’s Academic Minute. Rainer’s book, “From Pariah to Priority: How LGBTI Rights Became a Pillar of American and Swedish Foreign Policy,” gives a unique, insider perspective that explains the unexpected incorporation of LGBTI rights into the United States and Swedish foreign policies. Through case study analysis, former diplomat Dr. Elise Rainer offers exclusive insights into how normative values influence foreign affairs. From original data and interviews with high-level officials within the State Department and across U.S. foreign policy institutions, the book provides original insights from leaders responsible for shaping emerging LGBTI global policies. Sweden was the first country to implement a feminist foreign policy and commence formal LGBTI diplomacy. As other countries replicate these policies, Sweden is an important country to follow for international human rights trends. This book contextualizes the diplomatic precedent of revamping foreign assistance to Uganda when lawmakers proposed a death penalty law for homosexuality. The book scrutinizes effective tactics for advocacy organizations to influence foreign policy institutions. It also explores current debates in the area of gender and sexuality in foreign affairs, and offers pragmatic policy recommendations for civil society organizations, foreign policy leaders, and human rights practitioners. This lecture was co-funded by the European Union.