Edited by Heather Dichter and Andrew Johns, Diplomatic Games brings together a diverse team of international scholars to explore the powerful intersection of sports and diplomacy in the modern era. The book demonstrates that athletic competition is far more than entertainment—it is a dynamic arena where states pursue political objectives, foster cultural exchange, and sometimes wage symbolic battles. Through detailed case studies, the contributors show how governments have used sports to strengthen alliances, promote national narratives, and influence global opinion. Topics range from China’s strategic use of sports to challenge Western dominance, to the pivotal role of athletics in ending apartheid in South Africa, and the far-reaching consequences of the United States’ boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

The book also examines the role of popular athletes as unofficial diplomats and the ways in which international sporting events can both ease and exacerbate tensions between nations. By analyzing moments when sports have facilitated dialogue or, conversely, fueled conflict, Diplomatic Games offers a nuanced perspective on the cultural and political significance of global athletic contests. The collection’s innovative approach highlights how the spectacle of sport can serve as a lens for understanding broader trends in international relations, from Cold War rivalries to contemporary debates over nationalism and globalization.