Military Sports Diplomacy

Military Sports Diplomacy explores how sports played between foreign militaries since 1919 have been deliberately employed as tools of diplomacy, influence, trust-building, and geopolitical signaling.

Through an innovative four-dimensional framework: Special Event, Enduring, Improvised, and Rehabilitative, this book examines the evolution of Military Sports Diplomacy (MSD) using archival research, interviews, and international case studies. It delves into key themes such as the emergence of MSD from post-WWI military culture, the coexistence of competition and cooperation in military exchanges, and the influence of British and American traditions on global norms. The book also highlights the role of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) as the leading institution for military sport and explores how rehabilitative sports reflect evolving perspectives on injury, resilience, and the profession of arms. By integrating military history with international relations theory, this work provides fresh insights into the strategic and doctrinal implications of MSD for modern defense practitioners and policymakers.

This book will appeal to students, academics, and researchers in the fields of military history, international relations, sports studies, diplomacy, and strategic studies.