World Cup and global sports: Geopolitics of sport and sportswashing

Sportswashing is how groups or governments use sport to distract from negative publicity. Sport and the hosting of mega-events are inherently aligned with geopolitics. As nations compete for economic and political prowess, sport becomes a medium to showcase presence and power.

While sport is used to attract investment or create marketing spectacles, we must not lose focus on how the staging of mega-events has led to controversy, inequity and concerns surrounding social justice.

We invite you to join us for this Nov. 15 session, where panelists will address, discuss and debate the contemporary presence of sport, mega-events, geopolitics and sportwashing as Qatar prepares to host the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup this November.

Featuring:

Panelists

• Victoria Jackson, Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies
• José Kaire, Assistant Professor in the School of Politics and Global Studies
• Stephanie Gerretsen, Postdoctoral Research Scholar for the Global Sport Institute
• Kailei Foltmer, Doctoral Student in the School of Community Resources and Development
• Ambassador Javid Qaem, former ​​Afghan Ambassador to China and Professor of Practice in the ASU School of Public Affairs

Moderator

• Nicholas Wise, Assistant Professor in the School of Community Resources and Development