INTERNATIONAL AND INTRA-STATE CONFLICTS, PEACE AND SPORT TRIANGLE: CONFLICT ANALYSIS, PEACE STUDIES AND SPORT MANAGEMENT APPROACHES

In: Conflict studies quarterly: CSQ, Heft 43, S. 18-35

Abstract

There has been a close relationship between conflict, peace, development and sport. The use of sports for international and intra-state conflict analysis and peacebuilding proposes has become an important study subject in the 21st century. Sport can be associated with intolerance, nationalistic sentiments, and, most of time, violence. It is also true that international sport events may cause conflicts, violence, aggression and controversies (Öğretir-Özçelik, 2017). According to sport and olympic ideology, the main function of international sport is to promote international peace and development. It can be also used for a tool for societal change and social transformation. Since the ancient time, sport activities has related to the simulation of struggle between two conflicting parties and the civilized war. This study aims to analyze the link between international and intra-state conflicts, peace and sports. The objective of this paper is to examine the role of sports both conceptually and practically in conflict analysis and peace building. The first part is to present a conceptual framework in the study of sports, conflict resolution, and peace building. Second, it highlights some case studies where sports have an important role in international conflict and a tool for peace and reconciliation. Third, it focuses on the international use of sport and physical activity to attain the culture of peace and development objectives such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Keywords: Sport, Conflict Resolution, Peace Studies.