Transcending Political Differences Using Sports Diplomacy
Experts discuss how sports diplomacy can be an important soft power tool for nations to further cultural understanding and address geopolitical challenges.
About This Event
The Olympic Games, the World Cup, and other international sporting events have long been considered important moments for cultural exchanges, reduction of political tensions, and global unity. These athletic exchanges have also served as opportunities for the governments of host nations to project soft power and further their own political objectives. As Japan prepares to welcome the world for the Tokyo Olympic Games, a panel of experts discusses the power of sports diplomacy to abate differences and the complex geopolitics surrounding global athletic events.
About the Speakers
Deputy Director, Asia Program, Wilson Center
Shihoko Goto is the director for Geoeconomics and Indo-Pacific Enterprise and the deputy director for the Asia Program at the Wilson Center. Her research focuses on the economics and politics of Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, as well as US policy in Northeast Asia.
Professor of Sports Policy, Manchester Metropolitan University
Jonathan Grix is a Professor of Sports Policy at Manchester Metropolitan University. He is a leading expert in sport politics and sport policy with a particular specialty in sports mega-events and soft power. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics.
Matthew Abbott
Former Director, Government and Diplomatic Programs
Matt Abbott joined the Chicago Council on Global Affairs in 2015 as the director of government and diplomatic programs.