Twelve Feminist Lessons of War

"Cynthia Enloe provides an unflinching feminist critique of the devastating consequences of war across time and space. She gives voice and visibility to lesser-known feminist activists and scholars, particularly in Ukraine. Twelve Feminist Lessons of War, like Enloe's other pathbreaking scholarship, sets the standard for addressing pressing political issues with compassion, integrity, and generosity."--Amrita Basu, Paino Professor of Political Science and Sexuality, Women's, and Gender Studies, Amherst College

"There is no one comparable to Cynthia Enloe when it comes to writing from the heart as she delves into the everyday survival of women affected by war. And no one covers this subject in the inimitable way that she does, documenting victimization that women experience while also making space for enduring forms of resistance."--Marsha Henry, Associate Professor, Department of Gender Studies, London School of Economics and Political Science

"Original, thought-provoking, and appealing to scholars of international relations and gender alike--as well as to a general audience both inside and outside the academy."--J. Ann Tickner, Distinguished Scholar in Residence, American University

"If you had to choose one book from Cynthia Enloe's vast collection, read Twelve Feminist Lessons of War. It's comprehensive, probing, and hard-hitting with the finest feminist analysis, and written in a thoughtful and accessible way to guide the reader at every stage of their understanding of militarism and war. As someone who is deeply embedded in feminist peacebuilding work, Enloe's twelve lessons are worth reading and rereading."--Christine Ahn, Founder and Executive Director, Women Cross DMZ

"With incredible historical breadth and depth of analysis, Cynthia Enloe takes us on a worldwide exploration of the gendered dynamics of militarization and the gendered causes and consequences of war. From Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Nicaragua to Fiji, Israel, and Turkey, Enloe draws from decades of research, her constant feminist curiosity, and powerful clarity and engaging writing to investigate issues from the wielding of masculinities to ensure boys and men keep joining the military, to asking searing feminist questions about the causes and consequences of sexual violence during conflict. As this inspirational book powerfully argues, staying curious about women's (and men's) lives means we are more realistic about war and the causes of war. And as Enloe concludes, feminist lessons are for everyone and 'kindling to fuel a fire of thinking.'"--Daniel Conway, Reader in Politics and International Relations, University of Westminster

"In her usual straightforward, thoughtful, and passionate way, Enloe has reminded us about the importance of feminism to the study of war, violence, and peacebuilding in today's complex world. The twelve lessons she articulates concisely and clearly build on conversations, curiosities, and incisive analyses of war in different registers with different histories and inter/multi-disciplinary engagements. The thirteenth feminist lesson that she suggests accepts that new imaginings, speaking, and listening is tiring and needs stamina, but can continue with building feminist solidarities. This is a book for those who are concerned about the consequences of war and peace."--Shirin M. Rai, Distinguished Research Professor, Department of Politics and International Studies, SOAS, University of London

"Once again Cynthia Enloe makes plain as day what should be, but isn't, obvious to anyone who cares about war and conflict, namely that without a feminist lens we can never break out of the vicious cycles of violence that have held our culture in thrall for millennia. I am so grateful for Cynthia Enloe's clarity of vision and moral compass. We are all so much richer for her long and storied work."--Abigail E. Disney,