Politics and sports or sports diplomacy describes the use of sport as a means to influence diplomatic, social, and political relations. It can be used by states or geopolitical blocks to display their alleged superiority or any other desired characteristic. Governments may desire athletic victories, which are meant to imply, for example, the power of the state and its political and economic system. Participation in sport can also be used for political reasons on an international scale; a number of political objectives can be achieved by states by participating (or not) in sports events. Not only is sport affected by a country’s policies, but on certain occasions sports events can influence states.
Key Words: Sport, Politics, International Relations, Sport as a Political Tool
Author: Aafid Gulam
Download Full Paper