Diplomatic spouses and partners perform a range of unpaid, informal tasks which underpin the functioning of diplomatic missions, for example hosting and attending functions which help build important formal and informal relationships that aid collaboration and information-sharing. This report introduces the concept of “diplomacy-related care work,” drawing on large-scale data sets. The findings highlight a growing tension between modern values of equality and the persistent reliance on invisible contributions by partners, and underscore the need for clearer recognition and policy reform.

Read the report here.