Foreign Policy Panel: Games that Unite

When Korea beat Germany on June 27th, sending Mexico into the knockout rounds of the World Cup, Mexican fans around the world professed their newfound goodwill towards Korea. Does this affinity transfer to better relations between the countries?
Sports can be used as a tool in diplomacy. President Richard Nixon opened relations with China through “ping pong diplomacy.” 


However, sports and sporting events can also drive a wedge between countries, such as the United States boycott of the 1980 summer Olympics, or the 1964 “soccer wars” between Honduras and El Salvador.

To what extent are sports a tool for diplomacy between countries? In what other ways are sports used on the international stage?

Join the World Affairs Council-Washington, DC for a Foreign Policy Panel event, "Games that Unite: The Role of Sports in Diplomacy", as we discuss both the historical and current impact of sports, and how they affect the relationships between countries.

Panelists
Amb. Lino Gutierrez- Executive Director, Una Chapman Cox Foundation; former US Ambassador to Argentina (2003-2006), Nicaragua (1996-1999).

Prof. Soolmaz Abooali- George Mason University; karate national champion and international medalist.

Moderator
Noah Frank- Digital Sports Editor, WTOP

This event is in the Hemisphere Suites.

5:45pm-6:30pm WAC-DC Members-only reception in Hemisphere B
6:30pm-7:30pm Program in Hemisphere A