The International Politics of Sport in the Twentieth Century

There is no better time to take a look back at the political events of the past 100 years as seen through the eyes of sport and sports people. Ten key international authorities in their respective fields lead you through the most important political elements of contemporary sport. This book is the first of its kind. It provides a wide ranging perspective through time and place and will be an invaluable tool for students studying sport from an historical and political perspective and also for those who have a general interest in sport at its interface with politics. Part one examines global issues, starting with chapters on the centurys major sports institutions: the Olympic Games and the International Football Federation. These are followed by chapters on communism (1917-91), fascism (1922-45), the role of religion and the workers sport movement. Part two looks at issues relating to specific populations ands traces the struggles faces by these populations in relation to the ruling political ideologies of the day. Topics covered include the rise of black athletes in the USA, the rise of Women's sport against male prejudice, the role sport played in the racist Apartheid regime and the fight for rights of handicapped athletes. In addition, two relatively new trends are examined - the politics of homosexuality and homoeroticism in sport and the relationship between sport and terrorism.