“Sports as a Tool for Promoting Diplomacy: A Case Study of Afcon”
Loading...
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Ghana
Abstract
For peaceful coexistence, a way of harmonizing the different cultures is key. Sports is an important tool
for uniting people, friends and foes, but is also an essential tool in promoting diplomatic relations among
states and international organizations. Knight (2020) argues that, diplomacy can be turned to when
circumstances necessitate a debate on a round table for people from all walks of life. The research centres
on how AFCON, a biennial soccer men's tournament, promotes diplomacy and, in doing so, its
achievement with the contribution of all the stakeholders involved, and finally what factors have made it
hard for the tournament to promote diplomacy. The research elucidates States’ acknowledgement of this
reality and, in some instances, has exploited their influence in global sports in the guise of soft power
efforts to further their goals in international affairs. This involves developing and fostering an African
identity through AFCON, collaborating with the world community through sports to construct a fair and
inclusive global, financial, political, and social order, and advocating adherence for international law and
treaty responsibilities, such as the abolition of apartheid and racism. The conceptual framework
underpinning this study centres on the concept of power, specifically relating to soft power derived from
the shoulders of the civil society. Additionally, this study employs a qualitative research method. Findings
from this study show that AFCON has a critical role in fostering unity, promoting nationalism, as a tool
for building nation’s international image, as a means for integration and has economic benefits to
participating countries despite some of the challenges the Confederation for African Football is confronted
with, such as corruption and political instability in host countries, among others.
Description
MA. International Affairs