Women and Hegemonic Masculinity in Diplomacy: Changing Norms and Practices

Traditionally male-dominated, diplomacy has entered into a period of transformation with large numbers of women entering the profession. This article introduces the main contributions of the limited number of studies which analyses diplomacy from a gender perspective, and surveys the prevailing masculine norms in diplomacy through examples from different countries. Subsequently, the article discusses how a similar transformation is underway in Turkish diplomacy. Drawing on published memoirs and interviews of female diplomats, it is found that while masculine norms remain prevalent in Turkish diplomacy, they are also weakening gradually with higher numbers of Turkish female diplomats being promoted to prestigious posts