Unveiling Factors Impacting Women’s Positions in Paradiplomacy across Spain’s Autonomous Communities

What is it about?

Women tend to be underrepresented in a public sphere worldwide. It is especially notable in case of diplomacy. However, thanks to democratisation, there are new actors that are involved in diplomacy, for instance, sub-state actors. We know relatively little about how the gender representation shapes in "paradiplomacy" (term used to express sub-state actors' diplomacy). The research aimed to look for gender pattern, that is to say, if there is any differences in terms of men and women appointments to particular positions involved in creating and shaping paradiplomacy. The study reveals the tendencies in the gender composition of paradiplomatic roles, with women more common in lower-ranking roles and men in higher-ranking ones. Moreover, thanks to applying a theoretical approach, which is feminist institutionalism, the study uncovers the influence of electoral systems and party ideology. Regarding representatives abroad, the analysis suggests that men are favoured in challenging positions and prosperous countries. Finally, the study underscores the importance of recognising that all of the institutions are gendered.

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