 The European Union and geopolitics of sport: Toward a strategic role?Carole Gomez Chapter 16 in Research Handbook on Sport in Europe, 2026, pp 167-179 from Edward Elgar Publishing Abstract: This chapter examines the link between geopolitics and sport, not taking a traditional state-based approach, but focusing on the role and position of the European Union (EU). Through various examples, the chapter seeks to explore the broader implications of sport as an expression of geopolitical tensions. The analysis also focuses on the EU's efforts to use sport as an instrument of soft power, highlighting its unique institutional features, normative influence and economic strategies. Although it faces real challenges, such as the fragmentation of the decision-making process among the 27 member states, the partial competences it has in this area, and the strong competition from nation-states that have made sport a real geopolitical issue, the EU is trying to position itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of global sport governance. By examining the successes and limitations of EU action, this chapter highlights the growing role of sport in international relations and calls for its recognition as an essential geopolitical issue for European institutions. Keywords: Geopolitics; Soft power; European Union; EU sport diplomacy; Sport governance; International relations (search for similar items in EconPapers) Downloads: (external link) Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:elg:eechap:23542_16 Ordering information: This item can be ordered from Access Statistics for this chapter More chapters in Chapters from Edward Elgar Publishing |
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