Sporting Diplomacy: Bridging Soft Law, Global Governance, And Sustainable Development In International Relations

Abstract

How can states leverage international sports events to strengthen their international relations? The main discussion of this research essay is on the tools that the nation-states already have at their disposal. It can be said that sport diplomacy comes under public diplomacy which is uniquely utilized to enhance immediate and long-term relations between states by manipulating or influencing the foreign public to fulfill foreign policy goals. By reviewing the different aspects leading to sports diplomacy, the research essay will look into multilateral diplomacy and discuss the impact and effectiveness of sports as an arena of diplomacy. The most common objectives are as follows.

1. giving an unofficial cause and venue for world leaders to convene and start a conversation.
2. providing information about the host nation and enlightening others about it.
3. bringing together cultural and linguistic differences among the nation-states as a means to come under a common ground through sports.
4. Providing a platform for new trade agreements and legislations.