Sport as a Facilitator of Positive International Relations

Through improved international relations, sport can facilitate the positive resolution of contemporary global problems (Valeryevich, 2015). Not being deterred by negatives associated with sport such as anti-social behaviors (Marasescu, 2013), government’s promotion of harmful agendas through propaganda (Clark, 2005; Bairner, 2009), and persistence in the interest of promoting good through sport is especially important. A convenient facilitator of positive relations, sport resonates across peoples and governments regardless of the present state of relationships. Whether it be a dire economy, racial division, or even war, sport may suffer interruption but eventually it continues (Tope, 2008). As a shared international activity, sport can promote goodwill between nations through interactions (Tomlinson & Young, 2011) that form friendships, loyalties, and bonds (Darnell, 2010; Darnell & Black, 2011) that are developed among persons representing different nations. A mutually beneficial sharing and understanding of culture between international sporting event host nations and guests, results from interactions (Canavan, 2016), which can reinforce national identity (Field, 2014; Gorokhov, 2015; Lenger & Schumacher, 2015), yet also create positive impressions between persons across nations. If global citizens maintain an open mind and optimism, sport, as a facilitator can, in fact, enhance international relations.