Date Thesis Awarded
12-2021
Access Type
Honors Thesis -- Open Access
Degree Name
Bachelors of Arts (BA)
Department
International Relations
Advisor
Amy Oakes
Committee Members
Marcus Holmes
Faraz Sheikh
Abstract
How do political dynamics between countries and the individual characteristics of diplomatic spouses affect their ability to take on a “buffer” role—that is, make interactions less contentious? The existing literature on diplomatic spouses focuses on gendered advantages that allow spouses to access unique information. Building on this body of literature, this study investigates the ideal setting for spouses to contribute to the diplomatic process. A content analysis was conducted of three memoirs written by diplomatic spouses, and this data was supplemented with semi-structured interviews of spouses of former or current bureaucratic elites from India and Pakistan. The analysis shows that multi-lateral interactions, uncertain circumstances, and hosting in personal households are the most conducive conditions to perform the “buffer” role. However, the ideal individual characteristics of spouses vary based on where other members of the diplomatic community are from. Therefore, certain political dynamics do have an effect on diplomatic spouses’ abilities to ease tensions during interactions.
Recommended Citation
Shahid, Sania, "Behind Every Successful Diplomat is Their Spouse: The Buffer Role of Indian and Pakistani Diplomatic Spouses" (2021). Undergraduate Honors Theses. William & Mary. Paper 1742.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/honorstheses/1742
