Juntos num só ritmo? Diplomacia e esporte internacional

Abstract

The objective is to examine the possible relationships between diplomacy and international sport. It is argued that the use of international sport as a diplomatic instrument can bring flexibility to test strengths and weaknesses of diplomatic relations beyond the official political positions and explore policy changes, but Sporting exchanges can be tools to punish or provoke states. The most enduring effects of international sport on diplomacy are the suspension and the sublimation of conflict between political entities, but international sport can also raise national tensions and exacerbate complicated relationships. The specialized diplomacy of international sport creates platforms for cooperation between state governments and non-state actors towards development, but many governments contracted huge debts and have to honor “diplomatic debts” with partners who support their campaigns to host sporting events. Moreover, the social cost of such events can be high.