This special issue seeks to explore the multifaceted ways in which political systems in Global South nations leverage sports beyond their recreational purpose. The focus is on how sports are utilized as strategic tools to achieve national and international policy objectives. By examining the intersection of sports, politics, and society, this issue aims to shed light on the broader implications of this relationship for governance, diplomacy, and social development.
Scope
We invite contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:
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- The role of sports in nation-building and fostering national identity.
- Sports as a medium for international diplomacy and soft power (e.g., emerging sports in Middle Eastern countries).
- The use of sports to maintain social control or promote ideological agendas.
- Comparative analyses of sports policies under various political regimes.
- Case studies of specific events or initiatives where sports played a pivotal role in achieving political goals.
- The implications of sports commercialization and its alignment with political strategies.
- Media representation of sports during major media events (e.g., FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games).
- The role of elite athletes in political controversies (e.g., during domestic conflicts or wars between nations).
Submission Guidelines
Before the confirmation of the special issue by the editorial board, prospective contributors are requested to submit:
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- A proposed research title.
- A short abstract (maximum 200 words).
Selected contributors will be invited to develop their papers upon approval of the special issue. Upon acceptance of the proposal by the editorial board, we will proceed to accept the submitted papers, which will be submitted during this phase.
Timeline
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- Deadline for initial proposals: 30 March
- Notification of acceptance: 15 June
Following this phase, authors will have a period of 6 to 9 months to submit their full-text manuscripts.
Contact Information
Please submit your proposals or direct inquiries to Mahdi Latififard (Mahdilatififard@gmail.com)
We look forward to receiving your submissions and contributing to a deeper understanding of the role of sports in Global South nations. We would be delighted if you could share this opportunity with your network.
