The Brand: America’s Role in Global Sports

Ambassador Dave and Kay Phillips Family International Lecture
On September 28, AGS hosted a conversation about sports, diplomacy, and the US role in the world featuring General Martin Dempsey, Sarah Hirshland, Coach Mike Krzyzewski, and Adam Silver as part of the Ambassador Dave and Kay Phillips Family International Lecture Series.
Moderated by Professor Peter Feaver, the panelists - each with ties to Duke - covered a variety of topics from the roles that athletes can play advocating for issues that they care about to the strong bonds created by competition on the international stage, along with their own personal experiences of international competition. The panel reflected on their experiences with China, US relations with China, and how sports impact the overall relationship. A key theme which emerged in the conversation was the ability for international sports to transcend the division created by politics as a means of uniting both athletes and fans as enjoyers of sports.
General Martin Dempsey, named one of TIME magazine’s most influential people, retired in October 2015 after 41 years of military service, including as the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He now teaches leadership and public policy as a Rubenstein Fellow at Duke University and serves as Chairman of USA Basketball.
Sarah Hirshland is CEO of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
Coach Mike Krzyzewski is a Naismith Hall of Fame coach, a five-time national champion at Duke, and a six-time gold medalist as head Coach of the US Men’s National Team.
Adam Silver was appointed NBA Commissioner on Feb. 1, 2014. Silver presides over a global sports and media organization built around five professional sports leagues: the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League. Under his leadership, the leagues are dedicated to growing basketball around the world, promoting health and fitness, and using the sport to bring people together. Silver joined the NBA in 1992. Prior to becoming commissioner, he served as NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer of NBA Entertainment, NBA Chief of Staff, and Special Assistant to the Commissioner.