Sports diplomacy of Ukraine and the democratic world during the russian invasion

Abstract

Introduction. Sports diplomacy is one of the types of diplomacy that contributes to the implementation of the state’s foreign policy and is manifested in the activities of state bodies, its foreign policy missions, and other persons authorized to represent the state in matters of holding, organizing, and participating in international sports events. The «platform» for the implementation of sports diplomacy is international events.

The purpose of the study is to study and summarize the features and achievements of sports diplomacy in Ukraine and the world, focusing mainly on the preparation and holding of the XXXIII Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

Methods and organization of the study. The research was conducted at the Pridneprovsk State Academy of Physical Culture and Sports. The theoretical research methods used were: study and generalization of data from literary sources and information from the Internet, as well as abstraction, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction.

Results. Sports diplomacy of Ukraine, supported by a significant part of the countries of the democratic world, should be considered a powerful component of the general efforts of our state in the confrontation with the Russian Federation together with the Republic of Belarus, which started an unprovoked full-scale war in modern Europe. Both individual athletes and sports teams are sponsored by various state and private structures, and these same structures lobby for the promotion of Russian policy in the international arena. Hence, the pressure through sports diplomacy on international sports organizations from Ukraine and with the support of our foreign colleagues is quite justified. The oppression of the rights of Russian and Belarusian athletes contributes to the undermining of the international influence of propaganda and the results of lobbying from Russia.

Conclusions. The actions of the International Olympic Committee, with the support of the National Olympic Committees of most countries of the world and international sports associations against Russia and Belarus, firstly, have significantly undermined the sports potential, which has negatively affected the performances of Russian and Belarusian athletes at representative international competitions. And, secondly, they will have a long-term impact on the development of various sports in these countries, the best representatives of which are deprived of international competitions with leading athletes.