Bananas, Beaches and Bases

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This radical analysis of international politics reveals the crucial role women play in executing governmental foreign policies, from Soviet Glasnost to Britain's EEC dealings and the NATO alliance. Cynthia Enloe uncovers the often-overlooked contributions of women in various roles, such as tailoring marriages to state secrecy, managing financial transactions, and working in hotels and factories to support their governments' debts. She challenges traditional views of "international politics," illustrating how everyday actions—like transforming tacos and sushi into fast food—impact relations between affluent and developing nations. Enloe also highlights the connection between multinational corporations and local economies, showing how the presence of a brothel can be tied to a banana company's operations. By examining activities like shopping at Benneton, wearing Levis, or planning vacations, she argues these are all forms of foreign policy in action. While not ignoring the intrigue of arms dealers or political elites, the work emphasizes that these conventional narratives are insufficient for grasping the complexities of the international system. By exposing policymakers' reliance on misconceptions of "femininity" and "masculinity," Enloe reveals a world system that is more fragile and open to change than commonly perceived.