Soccer Diplomacy: International Relations and Football since 1914

Heather L. Dichter

University Press of Kentucky, Aug 3, 2020 - Political Science - 286 pages

Although the game of soccer is known by many names around the world—football, fútbol, Fußball, voetbal—the sport is a universal language. Throughout the past century, governments have used soccer to further their diplomatic aims through a range of actions including boycotts, carefully orchestrated displays at matches, and more. In turn, soccer organizations have leveraged their power over membership and tournament decisions to play a role in international relations.

In Soccer Diplomacy, an international group of experts analyzes the relationship between soccer and diplomacy. Together, they investigate topics such as the use of soccer as a tool of nation-state–based diplomacy, soccer as a non-state actor, and the relationship between soccer and diplomatic actors in subnational, national, and transnational contexts. They also examine the sport as a conduit for representation, communication, and negotiation.

Drawing on a wealth of historical examples, the contributors demonstrate that governments must frequently address soccer as part of their diplomatic affairs. They argue that this single sport—more than the Olympics, other regional multisport competitions, or even any other sport—reveals much about international relations, how states attempt to influence foreign views, and regional power dynamics.

Contents

• Introduction: 1
• Playing on the Same Team: 18
• Creating Football Diplomacy in the French Third Republic 19141939: 30
• Football Diplomacy and International Relations during Francoism 19371975: 48
• The Finest Ambassadors: 70
• Because We Have Nothing: 94
• Football More Important Than Berlin: 116
• Sheilas Wogs and Poofters in a War Zone: 138
• Entrenching Apartheid Football and Failed Sports Diplomacy: 159
• HIgh Jack: 178
• The World Cup Is Ours: 198
• Conclusion: 221
• Acknowledgments: 251
• Contributors: 253
• Index: 257
• Series Page: 271
• Blank Page: 275
• Blank Page: 276

About the author

Heather L. Dichter is associate professor of sport management and sport history at De Montfort University and a member of DMU's International Centre for Sports History and Culture. She is the coeditor of Olympic Reform Ten Years Later.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Soccer Diplomacy: International Relations and Football since 1914; Studies in Conflict, Diplomacy, and Peace
• Editor: Heather L. Dichter
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: University Press of Kentucky, 2020
• ISBN: 081317953X, 9780813179537
• Length: 286 pages
• Subjects: Political Science / International Relations / Diplomacy; Sports & Recreation / Soccer