World Cup’s Impact on Nations and Citizen Diplomacy
The final goal of the World Cup sealed the championship for Spain, winning the game 1-0 in the 2nd extra time period. Spain won the 2010 FIFA World Cup but what other nations came away from the tournament with something of value? The gold cup was lifted by the Spanish squad, but they were not the only team who won something for their nation. With the massive international attention from spectators across the globe, there is the potential for each nation represented to either establish a better global image, or tarnish it. The World Cup gave countries the opportunity to improve their own images. So which countries have left the tournament in better international standing than prior to the tournament? Who has done the opposite?
Sports can be a driver for diplomacy in many ways. The World Cup is no exception and with much talk about "Nation-Branding" surrounding the event, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top, reputation-wise. How can citizen diplomacy have an affect on these nations? With sports being a crucial avenue in which citizen diplomacy can be played out, the World Cup has truly been an event championing the concept. As players representing different nations gathered on a single field, fans also surged into stadiums to cheer on their team. Everyone involved had the opportunity to carry their flag in best light possible. The world was watching. The success of the team, as well as how they presented themselves on the field, was under a watchful eye of essentially the entire globe.
Who came out on top? It is safe to declare that this World Cup marked the emergence of the African continent. With South Africa's smooth orchestration in hosting the tournament and Ghana making it to the later rounds, Africa has been able to use the World Cup to display its soft power. Many more citizens across the globe will think of the success of Ghana's squad upon hearing mention of the country. The success of the 2010 World Cup shines a good light on the continent of Africa.
Other nations throughout the past month have been able to use the spotlight to increase their standing and reputation. Who were they? How have they been "branded" and what implications does that have on international relations? The use of soft power is increasingly more important as citizens begin to engage with other citizens across the world. Sports are no different in their use of soft power. The World Cup, especially this year's, is a primary example.
Comments or remarks? Please feel free to engage in the discussion.
Posted Monday, July 12, 2010