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- Title
Stewards of Internationalism: United Nations Tour Guides, Gender, and Public Diplomacy, 1952–1977.
- Authors
Fergie, Dexter
- Abstract
This article examines the role of United Nations (UN) tour guides from 1952 to 1977 and their contribution to public diplomacy. The guides, who were young women, played a crucial role in promoting the UN and became its public face for visitors. The article argues that the guides were diplomats in their own right, serving as stewards of internationalism. It also highlights the broader participation of young women in internationalism and challenges traditional notions of diplomacy and gender roles. The guides had autonomy over their tours and could emphasize important themes, but were expected to be objective representatives of the UN. They faced challenges such as sexism and objectification, but played a significant role in shaping public perceptions of the UN, particularly among American visitors. The article acknowledges the impact of the guides in promoting a positive image of the UN, but also recognizes the limitations they faced. The popularity of guided tours declined in the 1970s due to geopolitical shifts and increased air travel. Overall, the article emphasizes the important role of the UN guides in shaping public perception and understanding of the organization.
- Subjects
UNITED Nations; PUBLIC diplomacy; SEX discrimination; SEXISM; GAZE; TOUR guides (Persons); INTERNATIONALISM; ISRAEL-Arab War, 1967
- Publication
Diplomatic History, 2024, Vol 48, Issue 3, p366
- ISSN
0145-2096
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1093/dh/dhae028