Abstract
The cunning of gender violence: Geopolitics & feminism, edited by esteemed scholars Lila Abu-Lughod, Rema Hammami, and Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian, stands out as a remarkable piece of work within the realm of geopolitical feminism. This comprehensive and insightful book delves into the perplexing manifestations of gendered violence against women, examining them as potent agendas entwined with international political, legal, and social concerns that have emerged over the past few decades on a global scale. The authors skillfully dissect the intricate circuits of gender-based violence, shedding light on the hidden connections within case studies that explore dynamic politics and institutional governance. These connections are often covertly embedded within the triumphs of the feminist agenda. Through a deep analysis, the book brings to the forefront the true intentions of the “Janus-faced” and institutionalized power systems, which often conceal their motives behind the rhetoric of political inclusion, while simultaneously opposing the demands of marginalized groups. One of the book's central goals is to address the challenges posed by the invisible and elusive nature of gender-based violence. The authors explore the strategies employed by feminists in their voluntary involvement in global issues, unraveling the complexities and nuances of their approaches.
The first standout feature of this book is its comprehensive coverage of the perplexing and pressing political issues surrounding gender-based violence against women in today's world. The book comprises 14 full-length articles authored by different scholars, which are organized into four sections highlighting a specific emphasis within each article. These sections include securitization, states of violence, civilizing interventions, and media frames, respectively. Each article tackles a distinct topic, including law, securofeminism, unruly subjects, child marriage, transgender refugees, female genital cutting, and other subjects. Geographically, the book encompasses the Middle East and the Global North, exploring contexts in America, India, Palestine, Iran, Gaza, and other locations in the post-9/11 era. The acronym GBVAW (Gender-Based Violence Against Women) used throughout the book goes beyond being merely a convenient combination of VAW (Violence Against Women) and GBV (Gender-Based Violence). It represents a more innovative and comprehensive framework for understanding the multifaceted nature of gender violence within the global security landscape. The book examines the ways in which gender-based violence intersects with governance, law, development, and human rights, thus providing a holistic view of this complex issue. The authors’ meticulous research and analysis delineate the dynamics of gender-based violence against women, revealing the underlying power structures and mechanisms at play.
Another commendable feature of this book is not only its successful collaboration among the 14 scholars who authored the articles, but also its collective contribution from numerous anonymous scholars, students, practitioners, activists, and journalists. As acknowledged at the beginning of the book, these individuals expressed their enthusiasm and shared their opinions during the initial stages of this project. Gender-based violence does not just affect individual woman, but all marginalized women. Therefore, it is crucial to rally and inspire individuals from all walks of life—men and women, young and old, regardless of their gender, nationality, or religion—to engage with the issues of geopolitical feminism while examining the pervasive nature of gender violence that is interwoven and even institutionalized within the circuits of violence against women. Throughout the book, readers are presented with thought-provoking reflections, such as the impact of “political ecologies” on gender-based violence against women, the workings of the “apparatus of social intervention,” the complicity of “narrative frames” in legitimizing power maneuvers when reporting violence, and the involvement of feminists in political and religious projects within specific social and historical contexts. The authors’ collective perceptions clarify the complex dynamics and multifaceted nature of gender-based violence. By addressing these issues, the book challenges readers to examine critically the broader socio-political and historical factors that perpetuate and shape violence against women. It encourages readers to question the existing power structures and societal norms that contribute to the prevalence of gender violence.
Moreover, the distinct feature of this book is the profound insight revealed through careful analysis conducted by scholars who have extensively researched and, in some cases, personally experienced the realities of gender-based violence against women in diverse global contexts. The authors’ articles showcase their unwavering determination and courage in confronting gender violence and in making visible that which was once concealed behind political projects while offering strategies to eradicate it. For instance, Lila Abu-Lughod's article, “Securofeminism: Embracing a Phantom,” introduces the term “securofeminism” to examine the involvement of European and American feminists in security discourses related to counterterrorism. Abu-Lughod probes the complexities and contradictions inherent in this enterprise, addressing the challenges faced by feminists working within these frameworks. In another compelling contribution, Rema Hammami's article, “Catastrophic Aid: GBV Humanitarianism in Gaza,” explores the concept of sexual violence as an absent presence within the humanitarian operations in Gaza. Hammami highlights the ways in which the representation of “norm changing pedagogies” obscures the reality of sexual violence, ultimately hindering effective responses and support for survivors.
Overall, The Cunning of Gender Violence seeks to navigate the intricate conundrums and dilemmas faced by geopolitical feminists in their efforts to combat gender violence. By exposing the various cunning forms in which gender violence manifests, the book aims to generate awareness and understanding that can lead to effective solutions. It stands out for its sharp acumen and the detailed analysis of scholars who have dedicated themselves to researching and confronting gender-based violence against women in various global contexts.
