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"Kevin Niu believes, as do I, in the power of sports to bring disparate people together ... His book reinforces why sports are one of the few remaining institutions that transcend borders, cultures, and languages and unite people around the world." – Adam Silver, Commissioner of the National Basketball Association
Uniting Nations Through Sports: Stories of Diplomacy, Rivalry, and Global PeaceIn "The Diplomatic Arena: Untold Stories in International Sports," Yifei Kevin Niu explores the profound influence sports diplomacy has had on international relations. From Ping-Pong Diplomacy that thawed U.S.-China relations during the Cold War, to Nelson Mandela’s unifying use of rugby in post-apartheid South Africa, this book is a captivating collection of pivotal sports moments that transcended competition and contributed to world peace. Each chapter revisits these groundbreaking events, detailing how they broke down political barriers, fostered cultural understanding, and reshaped the diplomatic landscape. Featuring interviews with modern sports diplomats, this book offers unique insights for anyone who is a sports fan, a history buff, or simply interested in the untold stories of diplomacy.
Yifei Kevin Niu is passionate about educating youth on the intersection of sports, history, and diplomacy. He advocates for underprivileged students to discover confidence through sports writing and people-to-people connections. This is Kevin’s debut book.
"The Diplomatic Arena" goes beyond the typical sports book, revealing how athletics have been used as a bridge for diplomacy, breaking down barriers where politics often fail. For readers fascinated by history, politics, and the universal language of sports, this book offers a unique perspective on global peace efforts. Whether you're a sports fan, a history buff, or simply interested in the untold stories of diplomacy, this book delivers an inspiring and insightful look at the role of sports in shaping the world.
About the author
Yifei Kevin Niu is the founder and editor-in-chief of The GOAT, a sports newspaper. "The Diplomatic Arena" is his first book. When he’s not playing or writing about sports, Kevin enjoys traveling, history, poetry, and creative nonfiction. He is passionate about educating youth worldwide about people-to-people diplomacy and encouraging underprivileged students to gain confidence in their writing, both using sports as a platform. Kevin lives with his parents and sister in Scarsdale, New York.
