New book provides insights about sport and society in the Western Balkans

Aage Radmann
Norwegian School of Sport Sciences

My perception is that we in the Nordic countries know surprisingly little about the countries in the Western Balkans, both in terms of politics, culture, sports, and the ideas and structures that underpin Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia. Begović’s book can remedy this. Even though the focus is on sports policy and politics, the reader gains good insights into the societal structures of these countries.

In his insightful book, Sports Policy and Politics in the Western Balkans (2024), Marko Begović discusses the complex relationship between sports and politics in a region marked by historical upheaval and governance challenges. Through a detailed examination of the four countries, Begović argues that sport has been a pivotal tool for political legitimacy and nation-building in the post-socialist era. This book not only highlights the role of sports in fostering national pride and unity but also sheds light on the challenges of formulating effective sports policies in environments plagued by clientelism, corruption, and partisanship. By providing a comparative analysis of sports policies across different countries, Begović offers valuable insights into the varied approaches and outcomes in the Western Balkans.

Begović discusses how regimes in the Western Balkans have used sport to establish political legitimacy during the transition from the post-socialist era. He highlights the role of sport in nation-building efforts, showing how sports events and achievements are often leveraged to foster national pride and unity. For example, Begović discusses the success of national athletes in international competitions and how these achievements have been used to promote a sense of national identity and cohesion.

The book addresses the complexities of formulating sports policy in regions with weak governance structures and corruption. A historical overview of the development of sports policy and politics in the region is provided, helping readers understand the evolution of sports as a political tool. Begović’s analysis of sports policy evolution from the post-socialist era to the present day is particularly thorough and enlightening.

By meticulously examining the intersection of sports policy and politics, Begović highlights how sport has been utilized as a tool for political legitimacy and nation-building amidst the region’s complex historical and governance challenges.

Begović employs institutional theories, including historical and rational choice institutionalism, to analyze the development and impact of sports policies in the region. Begović uses historical institutionalism to explore how historical events and long-standing structures have shaped the current sports policies and political dynamics in the Western Balkans. This approach helps to understand the persistence of certain institutional frameworks and practices over time, highlighting how past decisions and historical contexts continue to influence present-day sports governance. Rational choice institutionalism is used to examine the decision-making processes of key actors within the sports policy domain. Begović analyzes how these actors, driven by their interests and strategic calculations, navigate the institutional constraints and opportunities to achieve their goals. By integrating these institutional theories, Begović provides a comprehensive analysis of how both historical legacies and rational choices interact to shape the sports policy landscape in the Western Balkans. This dual approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in sports governance. These theoretical frameworks help Begović to dissect the intricate relationship between sports and politics, offering valuable insights into the institutional dynamics that underpin sports policy in the region.

Marko Begović’s Sports Policy and Politics in the Western Balkans offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of the role of sport in the political landscape of the post-socialist Western Balkans. By meticulously examining the intersection of sports policy and politics, Begović highlights how sport has been utilized as a tool for political legitimacy and nation-building amidst the region’s complex historical and governance challenges. His comparative approach provides valuable insights into the varied strategies and outcomes across different countries, making a significant contribution to the understanding of sports policy in transitional societies. One example is when Begović examines the role of hooligans and ultras within the broader context of sports policy and politics in Serbia and discuss how hooligans and ultras often have strong political affiliations and can influence public opinion and political dynamics. Their activities are not just limited to sports events but extend into political demonstrations and social movements.

The book has several important implications and highlight the need for more robust and transparent sports policies in the Western Balkans. The emphasis on elite sports at the expense of grassroots and school sports suggests that policymakers need to balance investments to ensure broader societal benefits. This could lead to more inclusive sports policies that promote physical activity and health across all levels of society.

Begović’s analysis underscores the pervasive issue of corruption in sports governance. Recognizing corruption as a significant barrier to effective sports policy, the findings imply that anti-corruption measures must be integral to policy reforms. This could involve stricter regulations, better oversight, and increased transparency in sports administration. The use of sport as a tool for nation-building and political legitimacy suggests that sports events and achievements can play a crucial role in fostering national identity and unity. This implies that governments might continue to leverage sports for political purposes, but with a need for careful management to avoid politicization that could undermine the integrity of sports. The comparative analysis of different countries’ sports policies provides valuable insights into the varied approaches and outcomes in the region. This suggests that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and policies must be tailored to the specific historical, cultural, and political contexts of each country. Policymakers can learn from the successes and challenges of their neighbors to develop more effective sports policies.

While Sports Policy and Politics in the Western Balkans is a commendable work, several aspects warrant critical examination. Begović reports conducting eight semi-structured interviews, with two participants from each country, which appears to be a rather limited sample size. These individuals were selected based on availability (p. 13), raising concerns about the representativeness of the sample. Although the interviews are supplemented with additional empirical data, there is a potential risk that the experiences of these eight individuals have disproportionately influenced the analytical outcomes. The lack of detailed background information on the interviewees further exacerbates this issue, as the reader is left unaware of the specific roles these individuals have played in their respective countries.

The concepts of elite sports and corruption are pivotal to understanding sports policy in the four examined countries. Begović employs these concepts as primary explanations for the current state of the sports landscape. Investment in elite sports often occurs at the expense of grassroots sports and school physical education (PE), driven by the status, media visibility, and funding that elite sports attract. The inability of these countries to develop long-term, effective political solutions for managing the entire sports landscape is largely attributed to pervasive corruption. Despite the centrality of these concepts, they are absent from the index list.

Drawing from my own experience working on a sport sciences EU project in Kosovo, I am particularly puzzled by Begović’s characterization of Kosovo merely as a “problematic region for Serbia” (p. 127). This reductionist view overlooks the complexities and significance of Kosovo in the broader regional context. It would have been beneficial for Kosovo to receive a more comprehensive and nuanced treatment in the book.

Begović’s work contributes significantly to the academic literature on sports policy and politics, offering a unique regional perspective. For practitioners, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between sports and politics, which can inform better policy-making and governance practices in the sports sector.

These implications highlight the broader impact of Begović’s findings on both the academic study of sports policy and the practical development of sports governance in the Western Balkans.

This book not only deepens our knowledge of the Western Balkans but also prompts broader reflections on the power of sport in shaping political and social realities. As such, it is an essential read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in the dynamic interplay between sports and politics.

A personal reflection I have after reading the book is how important it is to be reminded that a functioning, professional, and transparent bureaucracy, in combination with the Freedom of Information Act, is the key to open and democratic societies.

Copyright © Aage Radmann 2025