Detailansicht

Set against a backdrop of concerns about the potential break-up or radical change to the global world order, this volume sets out to investigate the use of sports mega-events by a number of emerging states. Sports megaevents, it is argued, can be understood as a key component in states' 'soft power' strategies, that is, their attempts to showcase their nations on the international stage, increase their power relative to others via noncoercive means and to increase trade and tourism. Many studies on soft power simply cite the concept's founder (Joseph Nye) and make little attempt at unpicking the mechanisms behind its creation. This volume does this by shining a light on emerging economies and by putting forward a soft power 'ideal type' to aid researchers in understanding the strategies employed by states in advancing their interests.

First book to draw together the infancy of published work on sports events and emerging statesSituates the debate within key, mainstream literature in contemporary international relations, sociology, political science and sports studiesOffers readers a truly global comparison (drawing on evidence from South America, Eurasia, Asia and the Middle East)