Deadly sports diplomacy – past, present and future

This report, commissioned by the OFNIE and Strategic Communications, tackles such questions. It demonstrates that First Nations people have practiced sports diplomacy for tens of thousands of years. Engaging such communities would add historic value, rich cultural heritage, and unique perspectives to Australia’s sports diplomacy. Masters of traditional knowledge and regional networks, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders facilitate cultural exchanges, promote respect, and generate informal networks, people, and skills that are crucial for securing formal foreign policy outcomes.

This report seeks to better understand and harness the nature, practice, and power of ‘deadly’ sports diplomacy (In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, ‘deadly’ means something or someone that excels and is outstanding). Incorporating deadly sports diplomacy into future state and federal strategies would enhance the Indigenous Diplomacy Agenda and the Sports Diplomacy 2032+ Strategy. Moreover, investing in First Nations sports diplomacy could be a gamechanger for Australia’s influence across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.