Global Glamour: How First Ladies and Vice Presidents Are Conquering the International Stage

Is White Old Men’s Supremacy finally being breeched?

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Amsterdam, June 5^th, 2025 – Remember that flurry of calls right after Joe Biden’s 2020 inauguration? The foreign leaders lining up, not just for the freshly minted President, but for his Vice President, Kamala Harris, who was often the one picking up the phone. It was a fascinating glimpse into a shifting dynamic on the global stage, where the “second-in-command” and even the “first spouse” are increasingly stepping into the diplomatic spotlight. And if you think that’s just an American phenomenon, look no further than Brazil, where First Lady Janja Lula da Silva is making waves in China and France, sometimes even appearing to outshine her almost eighty-year-old husband, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

A Twist to Traditional Diplomacy

It’s a delightful, and frankly rather hilarious, twist to traditional diplomacy. Gone are the days when the First Lady was solely relegated to arranging floral displays and promoting literacy programs (though, let’s be clear, those are vital!). And the Vice President? Once considered largely a ceremonial role, now a powerful emissary.¹ It seems the world is finally realizing that two heads, or at least one and a half, are better than one when it comes to international relations.

In the US, Kamala Harris’s early engagements were a clear signal. Beyond the symbolic significance of her historic election, her active role in international calls and engagements underscored the Biden administration’s commitment to multilateralism and projecting a diverse and dynamic image abroad. Her prosecutorial background and sharp intellect were deployed in serious discussions, proving that the Vice President’s office is far more than a spare tire. It’s a high-performance vehicle with its own navigation system.

Across the Atlantic, in the vibrant landscape of Brazil, Janja Lula da Silva is scripting her own narrative. While President Lula, with his long and storied career, is undeniably a global figure, Janja’s recent high-profile visits to China and France have certainly attracted attention.² Reports suggest she’s not just a ceremonial accompaniment; she’s engaging with leaders, advocating for causes, and even, in one amusing anecdote, reportedly raising concerns about TikTok with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Imagine the diplomatic dinner table: “Pass the soy sauce, Mr. President. Oh, and about that algorithm…” It’s a refreshing, and slightly cheeky, departure from the staid formalities of diplomacy.

Strategic Deployment of Soft Power

This rise of “first ladies” and “vice presidents” on the international scene isn’t just about optics. It’s a strategic deployment of soft power. These figures, often unburdened by the direct political pressures and intricate policy negotiations of their spouses or principals, can connect on a different level. They can champion humanitarian causes, foster cultural exchange, and build bridges that official channels might struggle to construct. They are the charming, personable faces of their nations, capable of disarming even the most stoic foreign dignitary with a shared laugh or a thoughtful gesture.

Of course, it’s not without its humorous moments. One can almost picture the press conferences where reporters try to decipher if a First Lady’s fashion choice is a subtle diplomatic signal, or if a Vice President’s slightly-too-enthusiastic handshake indicates a deeper commitment to a bilateral agreement. It adds a touch of human drama to the often-dry world of international relations.

So, are we seeing a similar picture in Brazil to the US? Absolutely. The international stage is becoming a more inclusive space, not just for heads of state, but for the formidable women who stand alongside them or just a heartbeat away. And frankly, it’s about time. Because who better to conquer the world than those with a keen eye for detail, a knack for connecting with people, and perhaps, a hidden agenda to subtly nudge global conversations in their preferred direction? It’s a win-win, really. More diplomacy, more diverse voices, and a whole lot more entertainment for those of us watching from the sidelines.