Football Diplomacy International Relations and Football Since 1914

Although the game of football is known by many names around the world - soccer, fútbol, Fußball, voetbal - the sport is a universal language. Throughout the past century, governments have used football to further their diplomatic aims through a range of actions including boycotts, carefully orchestrated displays at matches, and more. In turn, football organizations have leveraged their power over membership and tournament decisions to play a role in international relations. In Football Diplomacy, an international group of experts analyzes the relationship between football and diplomacy. Together, they investigate topics such as the use of football as a tool of nation-state-based diplomacy, football as a non-state actor, and the relationship between football 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 football 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.