The Influence of Athletic Diplomacy
Sports diplomacy, which is the use of sports as a foreign policy tool to advance national objectives, has had a big impact on international relations. Diplomatic efforts and specific policies are necessary to fully realize its potential. We investigate the use of sports diplomacy by nations historically and currently, the function of non-state actors, and the possibility that sports diplomacy can heal international divisions before evaluating its value as a diplomatic endeavor.
The Development of International Relations Sports Diplomacy
Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in the mainstream discourse on international relations and sports diplomacy. Its expanding significance and ability to influence how diplomacy and statecraft are shaped in the future have been highlighted by two noteworthy incidents.
- Panel Discussion at the Milken Global Conference
During the Milken Global Conference, eminent diplomats will participate in a panel discussion exploring the potential of sports and health to promote international cooperation. The panelists discussed how these fields could be used to further diplomatic initiatives and shape international relations going forward. - FIFA and Saudi Arabian Partnership
FIFA has a strong global partnership with Aramco, the state-run oil and gas company of Saudi Arabia, with an agreement that runs through 2027. Sponsorship rights for major prospective FIFA events, such the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, are part of this collaboration. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is the primary candidate to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034 and 2035. It also owns Newcastle United, a team in the English Premier League. They have made billion-dollar investments in a variety of sports, such as golf, tennis, boxing, Formula 1, and horse racing.
The Historical Foundations and Current Importance of Sports Diplomacy
Sports diplomacy has emerged as one of the subsets of cultural diplomacy that has undoubtedly blurred borders, contributing to countries coming together.
Sports diplomacy examples from history
Sports have frequently been employed as global projects throughout history. In 1930, Uruguay, for instance, hosted and triumphed in the inaugural FIFA World Cup. Benito Mussolini, the dictator, hosted and won the FIFA World Cup in 1934 in Italy. The United States, Canada, and Mexico will all share hosting duties for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The FIFA World Cup was held in Qatar, which attracted a lot of interest from around the world. The Emir of Qatar gave Lionel Messi a "bisht" during the competition, which caused a stir in the world and represents a great deal of respect and admiration in Qatari culture.
The Olympics' Worldwide Impact
One well-known instance of sports diplomacy is the Olympics. China made use of the 2008 Olympics to demonstrate its strength and draw attention from around the world. The Olympic movement sought to inculcate in young people throughout the world a love of peace and respect for life. Significant cultural and educational effects resulted from hosting the Olympics, as thousands of Chinese citizens enrolled in state-run English and manners classes to greet foreign guests. The event's diplomatic significance was underscored by the attendance of George W. Bush, the president at the time, in Beijing to promote Team USA.
Modern Sports Diplomacy
- India's Cricket Diplomacy: Non-state entities have been instrumental in the country's notable cricket advancements. The Indian Premier League (IPL), which has five seasons (2023–2027) and broadcast rights contracts for US$6.02 billion, has grown into a major global financial force. More than 300 million people follow the IPL worldwide, and it has sparked the formation of numerous regional and international T20 competitions. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has engaged in "cricket diplomacy" with the Maldives and has nourished and assisted the Afghanistan cricket team as well as Nepal. Scotland, the US, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and other international cricket teams are sponsored by Indian dairy firms like Amul and Nandini. The World T20 this year will take place for the first time in the US and the West Indies.
- Chess diplomacy: By instructing foreign people in nations like Romania and Norway, Indian chess instructors are also advancing sports diplomacy. This demonstrates the various ways in which international cooperation and goodwill may be fostered through sports.
- Ping Pong Diplomacy: One well-known instance of sports diplomacy producing tangible policy outcomes is the Ping Pong Diplomacy between the United States and China. President Richard Nixon's travel to China in 1971 was made possible by China's invitation of American table tennis players following the Chinese Cultural Revolution. The foundation for formal diplomatic ties between the US and China was laid by this event. The United States of America still sees sports diplomacy as a means of accomplishing its foreign policy goals.
- Australia has incorporated sports diplomacy into its diplomatic role through its 'Sports Diplomacy 2030' initiative. The policy seeks to advance national interests, strengthen Australia's influence and reputation, and promote closer cooperation with neighbors by taking advantage of the country's sporting prowess. Four strategic priority areas are the emphasis of the strategy: enabling Australian sport to represent Australia internationally; fostering relationships with neighbors; optimizing trade, tourism, and investment opportunities; and enhancing Indo-Pacific community development.
The Potential and Strength of Sports-Based Diplomacy
Sports diplomacy has shown to be an important instrument in international relations, allowing governments to highlight their national strengths, advance their policies, and promote international cooperation.
- Building Bridges and Blurring Boundaries: Sports diplomacy has helped nations together and has helped to blur boundaries. Often referred to as the "softest of soft power," it is one of the most subtle types of influence. Sports diplomacy cannot be disregarded, as the media, fans, and sports themselves are becoming active platforms for empowering young people. Even if it has its share of difficulties, expenses, and controversies, it is nevertheless an essential part of cultural diplomacy.
- The Function of Non-State Entities: Sports leagues and commercial businesses are examples of non-state actors that have been instrumental in sports diplomacy. For instance, private investments and the participation of non-state entities have been key factors in the development of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Similarly, one example of how non-state entities might support sports diplomacy is the sponsorship of international cricket teams by Indian dairy corporations.
- Difficulties and Debates: Sports diplomacy is not exempt from difficulties and disputes. Major sporting events can be expensive to host, and the advantages might not always outweigh the costs. Sports diplomacy can also occasionally be used to cover up underlying political unrest or human rights violations. Therefore, in order to guarantee that the goodwill and collaboration fostered by sporting exchanges translate into real results, it is imperative to develop specific policies and diplomatic measures.
In summary
Throughout history, sports diplomacy has been a potent instrument in international affairs, allowing states to demonstrate their strength, advance policies, and promote international cooperation. It is a potent facilitator of diplomatic activities due to its capacity to bring people together and unite them across boundaries. But in order to fully realize the potential of sports diplomacy and go beyond the world of sports, it is imperative to create diplomatic initiatives and policies that can convert the goodwill and collaboration fostered by sporting exchanges into real results in the larger framework of statecraft and diplomacy.