Jennifer Greenburg, "At War with Women: Military Humanitarianism and Imperial Feminism in an Era of Permanent War" (Cornell UP, 2023)
New Books in Critical Theory
Deep Dive
What is the main focus of Jennifer Greenburg's book 'At War with Women'?
The book examines how post-9/11 politics of gender and development transformed US military power, particularly through the use of all-female teams in counterinsurgency efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. It critiques the liberal feminist narratives that justified the Afghanistan War in the name of women's rights and explores how women's integration into combat reinforced gender stereotypes.
Why did Jennifer Greenburg decide to write 'At War with Women'?
Greenburg was motivated by the impact of the post-9/11 wars on her intellectual development, particularly how development was reframed as anti-terrorism. She wanted to understand the colonial history behind this shift and how women's rights were used to justify the Afghanistan War, leading her to explore these dynamics in practice.
What methods did Jennifer Greenburg use in her research for 'At War with Women'?
Greenburg used a combination of ethnographic and archival methods. She conducted fieldwork observing military trainings, particularly focusing on the Office of Military Affairs at USAID, and shadowed development contractors on military bases. She also explored colonial archives to understand how historical imperial practices informed contemporary military strategies.
How did the US military's approach to counterinsurgency change in 2006?
In 2006, the US military admitted its previous strategies in Iraq and Afghanistan were failing and released a new counterinsurgency field manual. Development was reframed as a weapon to win over populations, with NGOs seen as 'force multipliers.' This shift institutionalized development as a counterterrorism tool, with USAID contractors training military personnel on bases.
How were female soldiers conceptualized in US counterinsurgency efforts?
Female soldiers were framed as 'emotional experts of war,' tasked with performing emotional labor to calm victims during night raids and gather intelligence. They were seen as global ambassadors for women's rights, embodying a liberal feminist ideal that reinforced gender stereotypes and imperialist narratives.
What is 'new imperial feminism,' and how does it relate to US military strategy?
New imperial feminism refers to the use of liberal feminist ideals to justify US military interventions, such as the Afghanistan War, under the guise of promoting women's rights. It also involves the integration of women into combat roles, which was celebrated as a victory for gender equality but often reinforced conservative gender norms and imperialist agendas.
How did the US military use history in counterinsurgency training?
Military trainers used historical examples of colonial counterinsurgencies, such as those in Haiti, Vietnam, Kenya, and Algeria, to teach soldiers how development had been used to crush anti-colonial movements. These examples were presented from the perspective of the colonizer, reinforcing imperialist ideologies and justifying contemporary military tactics.
What challenges did female soldiers face in the US military during the post-9/11 wars?
Female soldiers faced significant challenges, including being placed in dangerous combat roles without formal recognition or training. They also experienced gendered assumptions and discrimination, such as being denied medical treatment for PTSD because their roles were not officially acknowledged. Additionally, they were expected to perform emotional labor, often suppressing their own trauma to fulfill their duties.
How has the role of women in the US military evolved since the post-9/11 wars?
While women are now officially allowed in combat roles, gendered expectations and challenges persist. All-female teams continue to be used in training other countries' militaries, and issues like sexual violence and discrimination remain prevalent. The military's approach to gender and sexuality, including policies on transgender service members, continues to reflect broader societal power dynamics.
What future projects is Jennifer Greenburg working on?
Greenburg is directing a project called 'Understanding and Reimagining U.S. Beliefs About Militarism,' which examines public assumptions about the military-industrial complex. She is also working on a book titled 'Humanitarian Insecurity,' which explores how humanitarianism has been shaped by war and violence, with a focus on anti-imperial Haitian feminist critiques of US imperialism.
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