This interview features Dr. Ashleigh Huffman in conversation with Albrecht Sonntag on the role of sport diplomacy in connecting people, institutions, and cultures. It offers a thoughtful look at how sport can serve as a strategic tool for dialogue, trust-building, and international cooperation.
This talk, “Diplomacy Through Sports: The Globalization of Sport,” features Dr. Ashleigh Huffman discussing how sport operates as a powerful diplomatic tool in an increasingly connected world. She explores how athletes, institutions, and governments can use sport to build relationships, bridge cultures, and advance shared global priorities.
Sports and politics are two of the most polarizing topics in the world. Then again, they both have an undeniable ability to bring people together regardless of country, background and beliefs. From the Olympics to the United Nations, how does sports diplomacy work to create a safer and more stable world? What skills can we adapt from athletics to build stronger communities, both at home and abroad?
This espnW Women + Sports Summit feature captures Dr. Ashleigh Huffman reflecting on the power of sport to create opportunity, connection, and global impact. In conversation with leaders across women’s sports, she brings a sports diplomacy lens to how athletes, institutions, and communities can use sport to advance equity and meaningful change.
Since the dawn of the Olympics, sports have been a contest of global powers. Today, how are sports used as a means of conducting foreign policy — for better and for worse?
