Sports play a vital role in global affairs. As a unifying force with a foundation of positive values, it has the power to break down barriers and transcend boundaries. It is also an effective tool to promote international development goals and contribute to social change. The United Nations recognizes this potential by celebrating 6 April as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
The most well-known international sports are the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup. But the concept of international sport actually refers to any competition between two or more countries in any type of sport.
International events can make or break a country’s image, and often have a significant impact on the nation’s identity. Research by Hallman, Breuer, and Kuhnreich (2013) found that two thirds of German respondents felt happy and proud when their athletes won medals at major sporting events, with females, older individuals, and new immigrants expressing the most happiness. But this ‘feel good factor’ was short-lived and dissipated after the event was over.
The United States has a long history of using sports to strengthen international relationships and foster cultural understanding, including the America’s Cup (sailing), Australian Open (tennis), Calgary Stampede (rodeo), Giro d’Italia (cycling), Ryder Cup (golf), and the Women’s British Open (tennis). The US Department of State has an office dedicated to international sports and public diplomacy that works to advance the agency’s foreign policy priorities through sport. The office facilitates two-way exchanges for American and foreign participants who manage sports programs, coaches, and sports administrators.