Anne-Marie Slaughter: Contributions to International Law and Gender Equality
Anne-Marie Slaughter is a distinguished scholar and commentator whose work spans the complex intersections of global governance, legal theory, and social policy. From analyzing the intricacies of transjudicial communication—the interaction between judges across different national jurisdictions—to addressing the systemic challenges facing working parents, Slaughter has consistently challenged traditional frameworks of power and equality.
Key Facts
- Author of influential books on international law, American foreign policy, and gender dynamics.
- Wrote the most popular article in the history of The Atlantic, "Why Women Still Can't Have it All."
- Authored Unfinished Business: Women Men Work Family (2015) to expand the conversation on working parents.
- Regular opinion columnist for Project Syndicate since January 2012.
- Expert in network theories of world politics and liberal theories of international relations.
Academic and Policy Contributions
Slaughter's scholarly output is vast, covering a wide array of topics including European Union politics and various forms of policy analysis. She is particularly noted for her work on network theories, which examine how global politics operates through interconnected webs of actors rather than just state-to-state interactions.
Her bibliography includes several seminal texts that bridge the gap between theory and practice in international affairs:
- International Law and International Relations (2000)
- A New World Order (2004)
- The Idea that is America: Keeping Faith with our Values in a Dangerous World (2007)
- The Crisis of American Foreign Policy: Wilsonianism in the Twenty-first Century (2008), co-authored with G. John Ikenberry, Thomas J. Knock, and Tony Smith.
Beyond her books, she has contributed over one hundred extended articles to scholarly and policy journals and has edited three volumes focusing on international law and relations.
Addressing the Gender Gap in the Workforce
In July/August 2012, Slaughter sparked a global conversation with her article "Why Women Still Can't Have it All" in The Atlantic. The piece achieved unprecedented digital reach, attracting 725,000 unique readers and over 119,000 Facebook "Recommends" within its first four days. The article's impact extended to the front page of The New York Times and various international media outlets.
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While the article was a phenomenon, Slaughter later reflected on the phrasing, noting that using the term "Have it All" was a mistake. She clarified in 2015 that her goal was to stimulate a broader discussion regarding all working mothers, regardless of whether they held prestigious or lucrative positions.
This discourse evolved into her 2015 book, Unfinished Business: Women Men Work Family. In this work, Slaughter responds to critics and expands her thesis, moving beyond the specific struggles of women to create a comprehensive framework for understanding the challenges faced by all working parents.
Summary of Major Works
| Year | Title | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | International Law and International Relations | Legal and political frameworks |
| 2004 | A New World Order | Global governance |
| 2007 | The Idea that is America | American values and foreign policy |
| 2008 | The Crisis of American Foreign Policy | Wilsonianism in the 21st century |
| 2015 | Unfinished Business: Women Men Work Family | Work-life balance for parents |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the article "Why Women Still Can't Have it All"?
It became the most popular article ever published by The Atlantic, drawing 725,000 unique readers in four days and triggering a worldwide debate on the difficulties women face in balancing career and family.
How does Unfinished Business differ from her original article?
While the article focused on women, the book Unfinished Business expands the scope to create a framework that addresses the problems faced by all working parents, regardless of gender.
What are Slaughter's primary areas of academic expertise?
She specializes in international law, international relations, European Union politics, network theories of world politics, and American foreign policy.
Where can one find her current commentary on foreign policy?
Since January 2012, she has written a regular opinion column for Project Syndicate.
What did Slaughter clarify regarding the phrase "Have it All"?
She stated that using the phrase was a mistake and clarified that her intention was to advocate for a wide range of working mothers, not just those in high-paying or prestigious careers.