Click Here to View the Webcast

Future of Iran Initiative

Pin-Down Diplomacy: How Wrestling Promotes US-Iran Ties 

A conversation with:
Gregg Sullivan
Senior Adviser for Public Diplomacy, Office of Iranian Affairs
US Department of State

James Ravannack
President
USA Wrestling
 
Christina 'Kiki' Kelley
Team Leader
USA Wrestling Greco-Roman Team
 
Bahman Baktiari
Executive Director
International Foundation for Civil Society
 

Introduced and Moderated by:
Barbara Slavin
Acting Director, Future of Iran Initiative
Atlantic Council

 
Much as "ping-pong diplomacy" helped break the ice between the United States and China in the 1970s, "pin-down diplomacy" between the wrestlers of the United States and Iran has been instrumental in changing perceptions about Iranian and American society, and building bridges between sports communities and ordinary citizens. The Atlantic Council's Future of Iran Initiative invites you to a discussion about athletic exchanges between the United States and Iran and the role they have played and can continue to play in promoting better understanding between the peoples of these two long-time adversaries.