Routledge Handbook of Sports Diplomacy (Routledge International Handbooks)

This is the first book to explore the full breadth and depth of the emerging discipline of sports diplomacy. Rooted in a definition of ‘diplomacy’ that focuses on negotiation, representation and communication, the book examines the increasingly important role that sport plays in the diplomatic practices of international relations, and the part played by an increasing range of key actors involved including: states, athletes, international organisations, NGOs and governing bodies of sport at national, regional and international levels.The book introduces the key concepts and theoretical frameworks that shape our understanding of sports diplomacy, and also reflects a range of research methodologies in sports diplomacy befitting the wide ranging experiences of the contributing authors.Acknowledging that sports diplomacy is a practitioner-informed discipline, it traces the history of sports diplomacy and explores the key themes that define contemporary sports diplomacy, from great power and