Welcome back to a new season of Statecraftiness! While the podcast took a brief hiatus, the world of statecraft continues to evolve and like Santa, doesn’t sleep at this time of the year. In this episode we look at how states are using the popularity of sports in their statecraft.

The second series starts with Host Gordon Peake and Executive Producer Mark Panayiotis Notaras from CulturalPulse discussing the hidden realms of statecraft. We kick off with an exploration of the impact of sports like the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and National Rugby League (NRL). We meet former sports star-turned-statecrafter, and discuss the Pacific Games with some Solomon Islander academics.

University of Adelaide Professor Joanne Wallis unearths the subtle workings of soft power in the Pacific, and we delve into sports diplomacy with experts and former rugby league coach. Journalist Clyde Kaila is sent off on a quest to explore public views in Papua New Guinea on Australia's influence and the NRL, capturing intriguing perspectives.

This episode features:

- Joanne Wallis - Professor of International Security at University of Adelaide and Executive Producer of Statecraftiness

- Gordon Peake - Host

- Mark Panayiotis Notaras - Executive Producer of Statecraftiness and General Manager at CulturalPulse

- Shana Ryan - Executive Producer of Statecraftiness and Project Coordinator at CulturalPulse

- Luther Canute - Sound Designer and Producer

- Maima Koro - Pacific Research Fellow at University of Adelaide

- Priestly Habru - PhD Candidate at University of Adelaide

- Derek Futaiasi - Pacific Research Fellow at University of Adelaide

- Stanley Tepand - Former Coach of Papua New Guinea Kumuls and SP Hunters

- Clyde Kaila - Papua New Guinean Journalist