Sport as a Facilitator of Positive International Relations

Authors : Robert C. Schneider

Pages : 843-851

View : 15 | Download : 6

Publication Date : 2016-12-22

Article Type : Other

Abstract :Through improved international relations, sport can facilitate the positive resolution of contemporary global problems (Valeryevich, 2015). Not being deterred by negatives associated with sport such as anti-social behaviors (Marasescu, 2013), government’s promotion of harmful agendas through propaganda (Clark, 2005; Bairner, 2009), and persistence in the interest of promoting good through sport is especially important. A convenient facilitator of positive relations, sport resonates across peoples and governments regardless of the present state of relationships. Whether it be a dire economy, racial division, or even war, sport may suffer interruption but eventually it continues (Tope, 2008). As a shared international activity, sport can promote goodwill between nations through interactions (Tomlinson & Young, 2011) that form friendships, loyalties, and bonds (Darnell, 2010; Darnell & Black, 2011) that are developed among persons representing different nations. A mutually beneficial sharing and understanding of culture between international sporting event host nations and guests, results from interactions (Canavan, 2016), which can reinforce national identity (Field, 2014; Gorokhov, 2015; Lenger & Schumacher, 2015), yet also create positive impressions between persons across nations. If global citizens maintain an open mind and optimism, sport, as a facilitator can, in fact, enhance international relations.
Keywords : Athletes, nationalism, politics, globalization, sporting community