Sport and Foreign Policy in a Globalizing World

Globalization is effecting a close convergence of sport and foreign policy. In order to respond to novel social, political, cultural and economic pressures, states are increasingly turning to sport as a foreign policy instrument; and they cannot ignore the corresponding influence that global sport has on their core interests. This book is devoted to exploring this relationship in detail. Although any examination of sport and foreign policy inevitably focuses on issues related to both politics and international relations, the primary intention here is to consider the dimensions associated with foreign policy.

This book was previously published as a special issue of Sport in Society.

Steven J. Jackson is a Professor at the School of Physical Education, University of Otago, New Zealand. He specialises in the socio-cultural analysis of sport with research interests in the areas of Globalisation, National Identity and Media. He is co-editor of Sport, Culture & Advertising, Sport Stars: The Politics of Sporting Celebrity, Sport in New Zealand Society, Sport, Beer, and Gender: Promotional Culture and Contemporary Social Life" and Sport & Cultural Diversity in a Globalising World. He is the new President of the International Sociology of Sport Association (ISSA), 2008-2011.

Stephen Haigh obtained a PhD in International Relations from the University of Otago. He holds a Master's degree in political theory from the University of Calgary, after which he spent five years working for the Canadian government, eventually becoming a policy analyst for the UN Convention on Biodiversity. Stephen is a keen sportsman, and has coached soccer at the international level.