WATCH: The World Cup and the Geopolitics of International Sports
Soft Power Competition: The World Cup and the Geopolitics of International Sports
With Heather Dichter and Jim Murphy
Moderated by Nicholas Thompson
December 16, 12:00
The World Cup is the largest sporting event on the planet. FIFA, established in 1904 as the international governing body of the quadrennial match, pre-dates and boasts having more member countries than the United Nations. From this perspective, football (soccer in the US) can bridge political divides, build national pride, and support a world community of sports enthusiasts and spectators. However, this year, the usual conversations surrounding star players and winning predictions are just as passionately spoken about as bribery scandals, migrant labor, LGBTQ+ rights, and surprisingly, beer consumption.
Giovanni Vincenzo Infantino, president of FIFA, declared that politics should be kept separate from the World Cup. Is this possible? Historically, has football been a political or diplomatic tool? How should sports and politics entwine on the international stage? Is Qatar 2022 a case of ‘sports washing’ or a chance for improved relations? What lessons about global affairs can political leaders garner from international sports like the World Cup or the Olympics? And, what advice can leaders impart to the sporting community?
Featured Panelists:
Dr. Heather Dichter
Associate Professor of Sport History and Sport Management, De Montfort University
The Right Honourable Jim Murphy
Managing Director, Arden Strategies
Author and former Secretary of State of Scotland, UK
Nicholas Thompson
CEO, The Atlantic
Trustee, NCAFP