In an international arena where the utility of military force
may be declining, statesmen are inclined to search for alternative
means of pursuing national policy. The manipulation of
international sport is one such means. This book examines the 1980
United States boycott of the Olympic Games in order to assess the
desirability and effectiveness of using international sport as a
political instrument. Derick L. Hulme, Jr. reveals the pitfalls as
well as the opportunities of such diplomacy by using the 1980
Olympic boycott as a framework. Concluding that the boycott was
both a success and a failure, Hulme challenges generally accepted
views of employing sport as a political instrument. The book points
out that while the boycott succeeded in inflicting significant
costs upon the Soviet Union for its invasion of Afghanistan, the
White House was unable to enlist Western European support,
reinforcing the perception that the leadership capabilities of the
post-Vietnam United States were in decline.
The book offers comprehensive coverage, from both a descriptive
and analytical viewpoint, of the events in 1980 surrounding the
decision to boycott. Hulme examines this decision as well as the
domestic and international campaigns to rally support for President
Carter's initiative. This provides a foundation upon which to
critically assess the boycott effort. Finally, the book evaluates
the relevance of the 1980 boycott to the emergence of international
political sport as a significant policy alternative. Students and
scholars of international diplomacy as well as anyone interested in
the Olympic Games as a diplomatic tool, will find "The Political
OlympicS" a valuable resource.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!