ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces NATO as a gendered actor through a discussion of the institutional structures and practices which underpin the alliance’s military structure. It describes hegemonic masculinity before turning to current debates on the specificities of the concept in the military context through militarised masculinity. The chapter considers how hegemonic masculinity is reproduced to become institutionalised, and then apply this insight to argue that NATO represents an example not only of an institution of hegemonic masculinity, through the marginalisation of women and persons of colour, but of an institution of international hegemonic masculinity. It focuses on the conceptualisation of NATO as a ‘teaching machine’ sharing lessons on the integration of women in NATO armed forces and on the value of Women, Peace and Security. The chapter discusses the implications of NATO as an institution of international hegemonic masculinity for reproducing notions of the masculinist protection logic.
