Sports Diplomacy

Sports diplomacy is a theme which is not discussed quite as often as other kinds of diplomacy. Nevertheless, it does play quite a big role when it comes to diplomacy. However, it is not as direct as other forms of diplomacy. Sport is one of those things that trespasses borders, language barriers, and other differences. It is indeed a very good tool and can be quite successful if implemented correctly.

One of the examples of sports diplomacy is the Rugby World Cup which took place in South Africa in 1995. Nelson Mandela had just become president and South Africa was in a very difficult situation, with far right terrorism against the new democratic order.  South Africa’s hosting of the Rugby World Cup could not have come at a better time. People from everywhere in South Africa joined together as they had the same interest, for their team to win. And this is when nationalism plays an important role too. Nationalism drew everyone together in the hope and support of the South African team; the hope of them winning the Rugby World Cup. At this point, it did not matter whether one was black or white; they were all South Africans cheering for the same team and for one purpose.  Apart from improving things at home, it also sent a positive image of South Africa to the world. It was a new and different South Africa. As Mandela once said, “Sport has the power to change the world, to inspire, to unite people in a way that little else can.” And not to forget that South Africa ended up winning the Rugby World Cup that year.

Another example of sport as diplomacy is what is called the ‘Ping-Pong Diplomacy’ between the United States and China in 1971. The United States had a blockade towards the Peoples’ Republic of China at the time. The Table Tennis World Championship was taking place in Japan, and China invited the American team for a visit. The U.S. was invited to China for a few friendly matches (or exhibition matches) of table tennis. This was an opening of a new chapter in the relations between China and the U.S. It is halfway through the Americans’ visit in China that the United States lifted the 20 year old trade embargo against China. Indeed, the following year Chinese players went to United States for a few exhibition matches as well. And it was in February 1972 that Nixon visited China, the first ever American president to do so.

One of the more recent examples is that of China hosting the 2008 Olympic Games. All eyes were on China and how prepared they would be. This indeed provided more opportunities for China’s diplomatic practices and they did not fail. The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games were a success and promoted a new image of China.

The United States have several diplomatic envoys who are athletes, such as Michelle Kwan (figure skater), Barry Larkin and Joe Logan (baseball players). Michelle Kwan was appointed as envoy in 2007 and has visited Argentina, Russia, Singapore, South Korea and Ukraine among others.

The United Kingdom is now investing a lot into the London 2012 Olympic Games. This event will focus the world’s attention on Britain and have them re-examine their views and opinions about the UK. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office describe it as “a remarkable opportunity to demonstrate the open, connected, dynamic and creative country that is Britain today” and they their challenge is “to improve perceptions of Britain – and thereby increase the UK’s power to influence.” All eyes will be on London in the summer of 2012. 

Sports diplomacy is indeed a big part of public diplomacy. Its advantage lies in the fact that sports is something universal and which has the capacity to unite people in one way or another. 

Here is the link to title sequence for the London 2012 Olympic Games handover show first shown in Beijing 2008:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz47ZQlBwmQ