“Sports as a Tool for Promoting Diplomacy: A Case Study of Afcon”

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.