America's next Indo-Pacific strategy cannot ignore the playing field

Sports have long served as a quiet but powerful bridge between nations, and today they may offer the United States an underutilized tool in navigating the increasingly complex Indo-Pacific landscape. From historic moments like ping-pong diplomacy to modern examples such as basketball’s global reach, athletic exchange has repeatedly created opportunities for connection where formal politics fall short.

As regional tensions grow and strategic competition intensifies, FPI Fellow James Borton argues that sports diplomacy can foster trust, cultural understanding, and long-term relationships, especially among younger generations across Southeast Asia.

Focusing on Vietnam as a case study, Borton explores how grassroots sports programs, youth exchanges, and shared athletic experiences are already strengthening ties between former adversaries.

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