Sports Diplomacy: Means To Engage, Inform And Influence

Abstract

This thesis aims top rove sports diplomacy as an authentic field of study in international relations. Moreover, it will argue that the use of sports diplomacy by countries will facilitate in contentious relationships and also restoration of their frozen diplomatic relations.Sports diplomacy being new field of study in international relation, it has gained its fair amount of criticism regarding mixture of sports and diplomacy.Of course this field has its limitations and restrictions as well and it is equally crucial to note that criticism is not unsupported or unjustified.More importantly, there’s certainly a dispute that sports in its fine competitive form seems illogical to what actually diplomacy stands for. However, this thesis will try to dismiss the belief or argument that arises and illustrates, through various fine instances, that sports and diplomacy together can bring concrete and positive results when suitable and appropriate environment is developed and nurtured. With range off actors from strong leadership to suitable political environment within the countries that are engaged or involved, sports diplomacy has established to have the qualities and attributes of breaking frozen diplomatic relations and stand offs. Likewise, this thesis will further investigate how sports have long been utilized for diplomatic purposes, including international boycotts, national propaganda, and as a platform to promote civil rights. More importantly,thesis will also explore how International sporting competition is perceived increasingly as an ideal channel for nations, regions and cities to share their identities, their merits and brands with the rest of the world.