Leadership in War and Peace: Masculine and Feminine

by Joan Johnson-Freese

Overview

This book offers a gendered perspective on leadership in war and peace, considering leadership in its complexity and presenting a practical examination of both leadership successes and failures.

The work challenges readers to think through and discuss specific aspects of leadership, including how and why leadership diversity matters and the ethical challenges presented by the revolving door of the military–industrial complex. Further, leaders responsible for decisions involving war and peace must be able to understand, appreciate, and communicate effectively with everyone they work with and have a repertoire of leadership styles to use depending on context. The book represents an excellent tool for developing such skills, as it uniquely considers leadership through both male and female lenses, along with the experiences and perspectives of multiple military, government, and industry leaders interviewed by the author, making it both relatable and informative.

This book will be of much interest to students of gender studies, leadership studies, defense studies, and military studies in general, as well as military and security practitioners.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781040342350
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/31/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	218
File size:	521 KB

About the Author

Joan Johnson-Freese is a University Professor Emeritus at the US Naval War College. She is the author of several books, including Women, Peace and Security, Second Edition (2023), and Educating America’s Military (2012).

Table of Contents

Preface Introduction Chapter 1: Why a Gendered Lens on Leadership in War and Peace Chapter 2: Theories and the Context of Leadership Chapter 3: Leadership Styles Chapter 4: Ethics and Leadership Chapter 5: Men and Leadership Chapter 6: Women and Leadership Chapter 7: Gender Diverse Leadership in Practice Chapter 8: The Future of Leadership

Editorial Reviews

'Leadership in our national security agencies takes place in a highly structured, process-driven environment. Thus, to achieve positions of leadership, especially in the State Department, where I served for 40 years, management skills are prized; effective leaders are identified by results, not by how results are achieved. Even the Department's leadership and management skill set, which was not codified until a decade ago, lists prudential skills as the last four of ten. As Professor Johnson-Freese opened eyes and horizons with her study of women, peace, and security, she has taken a step forward with this assessment of leadership – and the different ways women and men manifest it. I highly recommend this study for students (and practitioners) of leadership and for those who aspire to provide better national security leadership going forward.'

Ambassador (ret.) Gene Christy

'The reality is today’s military is integrated and has been for some time. Most every ship, squadron, or unit today has both men and women and benefits from this diversity of perspectives and experiences. A leader guiding a modern military organization must be able to understand, appreciate, and communicate effectively with everyone in their command. This book represents an excellent tool for developing such skills, looking at leadership through both male and female lenses. But even more importantly, it’s simply a superb book on leadership in general, eschewing the pithy aphorisms and recycled generalities of most leadership books, instead treating important themes and presenting practical examples that examine both the successes and failures of complicated figures relevant and familiar to the reader.'

Captain David Reynolds, USNR (ret.), former Naval Aviator and Commanding Officer of four Navy Reserve commands

'Leadership in War & Peace is a must-read book for leaders seeking to foster great people, leaders, and teams. Dr. Johnson-Freese diligently examines how a diverse force – particularly women and men – should be valued for their differences and how that contributes to a high performing team. This book delves into practical "how-to" specifics that many leaders frequently request, and is sure to be highlighted and dog-eared by leaders across the force.'

Andrea N. Goldstein, former Director for Force Resiliency, Department of the Navy

'Leadership is in crisis. To effectively confront the complex and evolving security threats of the 21^st century, leaders will have to adapt – using both masculine and feminine leadership styles, in the right measure, with the right people, and at the right time. This groundbreaking book will book will empower them to do so.'

Nicholas Tomb, Institute for Security Governance, Defense Security Cooperation University

'A brilliant fusion of ideas, examples, and practical recommendations, this book should serve as a primer for anyone who is leading now or in the future! In an increasingly complex and polarized world, Professor Johnson-Freese has identified the key issues – and solutions – for all men and women who live in the crucible of leadership.'

Jeffrey Harley, Rear Admiral, US Navy (ret.)

'This is a must read for all! Dr. Johnson-Freese‘s refreshing take on leadership highlights the importance of utilizing a variety of leadership characteristics to meet the moment, providing historical examples of success and failures interwoven with common sense leadership principles and ethical considerations. She shows why looking at leadership through a gendered lens strengthens not only the leader’s ability to lead but also more effective mission outcomes. Her methodology equips leaders to leverage all the talent in their workforce and implement key Women, Peace and Security principles. This book should be a staple in any leader’s toolkit.'

Major Samantha Arrington Sliney, US Air Force

'Dr. Johnson-Freese’s latest work provides a much-needed modern reframing of leadership. Drawing on examples and data from across government, business, sports, and political arenas, Leadership in War and Peace: Masculine and Feminine offers vivid insights on the criticality of understanding gender dynamics in leadership and why it matters to our national security. The author demonstrates the nuanced interconnectedness between the two, filling a blind spot in the crowded and often redundant philosophies on leadership and national security studies. Leadership in War and Peace provides readers with a new tool – a superpower – they can use in building and leading the strongest teams possible. Unique, fresh, and compelling – a must read.'

Cathleen Pearl, Chief Impact Officer, Military Women’s Memorial

From the Publisher