The Diplomat  |  Author

Layne Vandenberg

Layne Vandenberg

Layne Vandenberg is a PhD candidate in the King’s College London and University of Hong Kong Joint PhD Programme.

Layne Vandenberg is a PhD student in the King’s College London and University of Hong Kong Joint PhD Programme. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, completed a Fulbright Research Grant in Brazil and graduated from the Yenching Academy at Peking University with a Master of Laws in International Relations. Her research has focused on football (soccer) and sports policy, including the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, and football reform in China.

Posts by Layne Vandenberg
December 05, 2022

Why We’re Watching Japan and South Korea at the World Cup

By Layne Vandenberg
The performances of the Japanese and South Korean men’s national teams at the 2022 FIFA World Cup have embodied the stories we love to hear and watch. 

April 20, 2021

Why Matsuyama at the Masters Matters

By Layne Vandenberg
The impact of Hideki Matsuyama’s victory at the 2021 Masters Golf Tournament could be diminished by barriers to entry and ongoing stereotypes about Asian athletes. 
February 22, 2021

Contemporary Interpretations of Traditional Asian Crafts at Collect 2021

By Layne Vandenberg
This year’s online edition of Collect art fair showcases how modern artists are interpreting Asian craft art forms into traditional and contemporary pieces.

February 01, 2021

The Art of Asian Crafts

By Layne Vandenberg
Traditional Asian craft art forms -- ceramics, porcelain, lacquer, and jewelry -- are being upheld and interpreted by contemporary artists.

January 25, 2021

The Role of Political Culture in Taiwan’s COVID-19 Success

By Layne Vandenberg
Taiwan’s political culture is the unexpected key to public compliance with COVID-19 digital surveillance.

December 18, 2020

New Collectors Boost Chinese Public Art Fairs

By Layne Vandenberg and Layne Vandenberg
Galleries and artists are adapting to a new generation of collectors emerging in the Chinese art scene.
December 01, 2020

EdTech in Rural China

By Layne Vandenberg
EdTech companies are starting to address the urban-rural disparity in educational opportunities prevalent throughout China.

September 28, 2020

Uncle Roger: The East to West Comedic Sensation

By Layne Vandenberg
Nigel Ng’s viral comedy sketches, featuring his middle-aged Malaysian “uncle” alter-ego, have resonated with fans both in Asia and the West.

September 21, 2020

Beyond Data Privacy: Trump’s Proposed Ban of WeChat 

By Layne Vandenberg
The broader success factors behind Tencent and WeChat indicate alternative motivations for Trump’s proposed ban.

August 31, 2020

Meet Narmak, Creator of the Viral SpongeBob Anime Suponjibobu

By Layne Vandenberg
Narmak’s viral SpongeBob anime is built upon organic influences of both Western and Eastern cultures on his work. 

August 07, 2020

The Disparate Reality and Reputation of Chinese Museums

By Layne Vandenberg
China has a poor international reputation when it comes to accessibility for foreign visitors, but what about its museums?
July 21, 2020

The Political Activism of K-pop Stans

By Layne Vandenberg
K-pop fans are making waves with activism both within the K-pop music industry and in global politics. 

Page 1 of 5