Graduation Year
2015
Document Type
Open Access Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Political Studies
Reader 1
Geoffrey Herrera
Reader 2
Nigel Boyle
Terms of Use & License Information
Rights Information
@2015 Joseph B Eyen
Abstract
This thesis demonstrates the importance of basketball as a form of soft power and a diplomatic asset to better achieve American foreign policy, which is defined and referred to as basketball diplomacy. Basketball diplomacy is also a lens to observe the evolution of American power from 1893 through present day. Basketball connects and permeates foreign cultures and effectively disseminates American influence unlike any other form of soft power, which is most powerfully illustrated by the United States’ basketball relationship with China. American basketball diplomacy will become stronger and connect with more countries with greater influence, and exist without relevant competition, until the likely rise of China in the indefinite future. As a result of basketball diplomacy, Chinese culture has internalized American influence, likewise for many other countries, which will positively benefit the United States as China possibly challenges American hegemony.
Recommended Citation
Eyen, Joseph Bertka, "Soft Power Played on the Hardwood: United States Diplomacy through Basketball" (2015). Pitzer Senior Theses. 86.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/pitzer_theses/86
Included in
American Politics Commons, International Relations Commons, Other Political Science Commons, Peace and Conflict Studies Commons, Political Theory Commons, Sports Studies Commons
