Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book draws on interviews with NATO officials from across the military and civilian structures of the alliance. It explores how the way NATO functions as an institution has helped to elevate NATO beyond an institution of hegemonic masculinity, to become an institution of international hegemonic masculinity. The book describes the long view of NATO’s engagement with Women, Peace and Security (WPS). It considers the origins of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 in women’s organising at the UN, and the continued role of civil society as critical actors in shaping the WPS agenda today. The book discusses the stories of five NATO women who were instrumental in either establishing the Committee on Women in the NATO Forces or advancing the later work of the Committee. It highlights how NATO has always been concerned with gender issues and how this interest and engagement has shifted due to internal and external considerations.