Cynthia Enloe is a feminist scholar renowned for her groundbreaking work examining the intricate connections between gender and militarism. Her contributions have significantly shaped the field of feminist international relations, offering pioneering insights into international politics and political economy. Influenced by ethnographic approaches, Enloe's writing delves into how global structures are shaped by gendered inequalities. Her distinctive voice and academic rigor offer readers a vital lens through which to understand the world.
With her trademark engaging style, at once accessible and provocative, Cynthia Enloe draws on first-hand experiences of war in countries as diverse as Ukraine, Syria and Northern Ireland to show how women's wars are not men's wars, and why feminist campaigners remain active - against all odds - in the midst of armed violence.
Making Feminist Sense of International Politics
This radical analysis of international politics reveals the crucial role women play in executing governmental foreign policies, from Soviet Glasnost to Britain's EEC dealings and the NATO alliance. Cynthia Enloe uncovers the often-overlooked contributions of women in various roles, such as tailoring marriages to state secrecy, managing financial transactions, and working in hotels and factories to support their governments' debts. She challenges traditional views of "international politics," illustrating how everyday actions—like transforming tacos and sushi into fast food—impact relations between affluent and developing nations. Enloe also highlights the connection between multinational corporations and local economies, showing how the presence of a brothel can be tied to a banana company's operations. By examining activities like shopping at Benneton, wearing Levis, or planning vacations, she argues these are all forms of foreign policy in action. While not ignoring the intrigue of arms dealers or political elites, the work emphasizes that these conventional narratives are insufficient for grasping the complexities of the international system. By exposing policymakers' reliance on misconceptions of "femininity" and "masculinity," Enloe reveals a world system that is more fragile and open to change than commonly perceived.