"Extinction and internationalism have been linked in a fateful embrace ever since the moment when the threat of extinction became an all too realistic concern, August 6th, 1945," wrote pioneering linguist and political theorist Noam Chomsky, 91. Invoking his personal memory of learning of the first use of nuclear weapons on civilians in Hiroshima, Japan, Chomsky argues that humanity faces a stark choice between isolationism and survival. "Competing is intense among humans and, within a group, selfish individuals always win," wrote pioneering sociobiologist E.O. Wilson, also 91, adding, "But in contests between groups, groups of altruists always beat out groups of selfish individuals." Wilson's observations of ants led to a radical reassessment of human behavior, arguing that both species had thrived due to their "eusocial" tendency to elevate the interests of the group over their own individual genetic survival. Wilson would likely cite as evidence several recent developments in table tennis. One recent example of international cooperation is found between a club in France and players from numerous African countries with Olympic dreams. The Athletic Club Boulogne Billancourt (ACBB) has contracted with the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) to train Africa's top prospects in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics. According to ACBB president Frédéric Reuseau, the collaboration will be mutually beneficial. Not only will African players benefit from the French infrastructure, says Reuseau, but the revenue the ACBB earns from the ATTF contract will enable them to help develop Africa's table tennis infrastructure. Ali Kanaté, an up-and-coming 23-year-old player from Côte d'Ivoire, was instrumental in spearheading the deal. "This partnership is a real opportunity for Africa," says Kanaté. "I congratulate both parties for the establishment of this partnership which will begin in October with a solidarity tournament that will see the participation of the best African players." Another heartwarming story comes from two European table tennis powerhouses, Sweden and Romania. As both nations cautiously emerge from COVID-19 restrictions to resume whatever forms of practice are both permissible and prudent, the two longtime rival tennis associations have decided to pool their resources and help each other get back into playing shape. The Romanian and Swedish joint venture is both far-reaching and forward-thinking in scope, involving the cross-pollination of both established and up-and-coming players from both countries in a series of training camps and tournaments. Petra Sörling, president of the Swedish Table Tennis Association, hailed the cooperative venture. "Absolutely great news not only for our two associations, but also for the whole table tennis family in Europe and around the world," said Sörling. "If we can lead the way and get table tennis on the international sports schedule again we have done a good thing that may inspire others." One hopes that two 91-year-old scholars of human behavior would be among those inspired by these recent partnerships, as internationalism rallies to retake a slim lead over extinction.

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