The impact of sports as a tool for diplomacy : a case study for Namibia

Abstract

Sports and diplomacy is one of the recent areas of study that countries have been involved in. There are various ways that are used by countries when dealing with diplomacy matters. Sports recently have been found to be one of the ways utilised by countries when they are dealing with matters that involve diplomacy. There are different sporting activities that countries participate in. These sporting activities range from football, athletics and other games such as swimming. Sporting activities that are classified as major events by countries are hosted by one country and the entire world participates in the activities. The major activities could be continental or for the entire world. This research sought to find the relationship that exists between sports and diplomacy and how this can be applied in Namibia. Namibia is a developing African country that is not actively involved in sporting activities. The research made use of a qualitative research which analysed secondary data on events that have occurred and conclusions were developed based on the data already available. There are many sporting events that are conducted around the world. Namibia however participates in a few sporting activities. The research found that there is a strong relationship between sports and diplomacy and countries can make use of sporting activities to solve issues that are related to diplomacy. As a result of participation in sports, countries are able to mend problems that they have with one another and improve relations. This research made use of case studies whereby the researcher assessed sporting activities that were hosted by two countries. The research analysed the 2008 Olympics that were hosted by China and the 2018 FIFA World Cup which was hosted by Russia. The lessons that are related to sports and diplomacy that were drawn for these events were recorded. The recommendations and findings that are related to this research were developed based on the information that was gathered from the events which were assessed by the researcher. The events which these two countries participated led to showcasing their countries and improving relations between nations. As a result, the researcher made recommendations to Namibia which is not actively participating and does not have policies to address such issues. The background and findings are discussed in the document.