Mechanisms of Sports Diplomacy in the System of the International Sports Movement

Abstract

Introduction. In the context of globalization, sport has become an important instrument of international communication, public diplomacy, and the implementation of the state’s soft power concept. International sporting events, the activities of international sports organizations, and athletes’ achievements increasingly influence the formation of the international image of states, the development of humanitarian cooperation, and intercultural dialogue. In contemporary scientific literature, sports diplomacy is considered a component of international relations and global sports management. The purpose of the study was to analyze the mechanisms of sports diplomacy in the system of the international sports movement and to determine the attitudes of specialists in the field of physical culture and sport toward the role of sports diplomacy in shaping the international image of Ukraine.

Material and Methods

The study used a complex of general scientific and special research methods, including analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature, regulatory documents, comparative analysis, sociological methods, and methods of mathematical statistics. The sociological study was conducted in the form of an electronic survey using Google Forms. The study involved 146 respondents, including sports managers, coaches, university lecturers, athletes, and students majoring in Physical Culture and Sport.

Results

The results of the study demonstrated a high level of support for the development of sports diplomacy. It was found that 82% of respondents consider sport an effective instrument of international diplomacy, while 91% confirmed the influence of international sports achievements on the formation of a positive international image of the state. International sporting events, the activities of international sports organizations, and international sports cooperation were identified as the most effective mechanisms of sports diplomacy. At the same time, 63% of respondents believe that the system of sports diplomacy in Ukraine requires significant improvement.

Conclusions

Sports diplomacy is an important component of the international sports movement and an effective instrument of public diplomacy. The obtained results confirm the necessity of forming a systematic state policy in the field of sports diplomacy in Ukraine and strengthening the international representation of Ukrainian sports organizations.