کارکردهای ورزش در ارتقای جایگاه بینالمللی ایران
محورهای موضوعی : مطالعات جامعه شناسی ورزشی
محمد جواد طهماسبی
1
,
مسعود نادریان جهرمی
2
*
,
حسین دست برحق
3
1 - دانشجوی دکترای مدیریت ورزشی دانشگاه آزاد
2 - هیات علمی دانشگاه اصفهان
3 - دکترای تخصصی، تربیت بدنی و علوم ورزشی: فیزیولوژی ورزشی، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد جهرم
کلید واژه: دیپلماسی ورزش, توسعه روابط, روابط بینالملل, ایران,
چکیده مقاله :
هدف: این پژوهش به تحلیل عوامل اجتماعی مؤثر بر بهبود وجهه بینالمللی ایران از طریق استفاده از ظرفیتهای ورزش میپردازد.
روششناسی: روش پژوهش از نوع آمیخته متوالی (کیفی-کمی) بوده و شامل دو مرحله است. در مرحله کیفی، با استفاده از روش فراترکیب، مولفههای اجتماعی مؤثر بر بهبود وجهه بینالمللی از نتایج پژوهشهای موجود در پایگاههای علمی معتبر استخراج شد. سپس، برای شناسایی شاخصهای مربوط به این مولفهها، با 12 نفر از کارشناسان و صاحبنظران در حوزههای مختلف ورزش و روابط بینالملل مصاحبه انجام شد. در مرحله کمی، 66 نفر از کارشناسان برای رتبهبندی مولفههای شناساییشده مورد بررسی قرار گرفتند.
یافتهها: پس از تحلیل محتوای مصاحبهها، 9 محور اصلی بهعنوان عوامل اجتماعی مؤثر بر بهبود وجهه بینالمللی ایران از طریق ورزش شناسایی شد. این محورها شامل برندینگ و پرستیژ بینالمللی، توسعه فرهنگی، توسعه سیاسی، توسعه اقتصادی، خروج از انزوا، صلح و دوستی، وحدت و همگرایی ملی، تعاملات رسانهای و توسعه قدرت هوشمندانه است. همچنین، 34 عبارت برای مولفههای شناساییشده استخراج و اولویتبندی شد.
نتیجهگیری: برای بهبود وجهه بینالمللی ایران، پیشنهاد میشود که مسئولان و مدیران برنامههای توسعه ورزشی را در سطح بینالمللی در اولویت قرار دهند و بر توسعه و میزبانی مسابقات ورزشی در ابعاد منطقهای و بینالمللی تمرکز کنند.
Introduction
In recent years, the global arena has witnessed a growing recognition of sport as a powerful soft power instrument capable of influencing international perceptions, strengthening diplomatic relations, and enhancing national prestige. As nations seek innovative and non-confrontational tools to improve their standing in the international community, sport has emerged as a compelling channel for cultural expression, political messaging, and socio-economic engagement. For Iran, whose geopolitical circumstances and international image have often been subjects of contention, leveraging sports diplomacy offers a constructive avenue to reshape narratives, build international goodwill, and assert cultural identity on the world stage (McGarry et al., 2019).
Sport’s inherent characteristics—universal appeal, emotional resonance, and cross-border impact—render it a unique medium for fostering peace, national unity, and intercultural understanding (Goodley, 2018). Events such as the Olympics, the World Cup, and regional competitions serve as diplomatic stages where nations can showcase not only their athletic talent but also their social values and strategic intentions. Iran’s active participation and success in these events, combined with strategic hosting and media engagement, can transform the nation’s image from a politically isolated entity to a vibrant cultural and athletic contributor (Abofazeli et al., 2023).
This study was conducted to identify and prioritize the social components by which sports can enhance Iran’s international status and image. Given the complexity of socio-political dynamics and the multifaceted nature of sport, a rigorous, multi-phased approach was employed to synthesize existing knowledge and derive context-specific insights for Iran.
Methods
This research utilized a sequential mixed-methods design, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. In the first phase, a systematic review and meta-synthesis method was conducted to identify key factors influencing international image improvement through sport. Drawing on the seven-step method proposed by Sandelowski and Barroso (2007), a total of 370 documents from reputable domestic and international databases (e.g., SID, Magiran, Civilica, Science Direct, Taylor & Francis, Wiley Online) were reviewed. After rigorous screening and exclusion of duplicates and irrelevant content, 26 high-quality studies were retained for final analysis.
From these studies, 96 initial codes were extracted, which were subsequently condensed and categorized into 45 codes, ultimately resulting in 21 thematic factors. To further refine these findings, 12 experts with substantial backgrounds in sports, international relations, and public diplomacy were purposefully selected for in-depth interviews. The interviews focused on validating, contextualizing, and expanding upon the findings of the meta-synthesis.
In the second (quantitative) phase, a structured questionnaire based on the identified components was developed and distributed to 66 experts. Using Likert-scale responses, participants ranked the relative importance of each factor. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Smart PLS software to validate the components’ internal consistency and determine their significance in relation to enhancing Iran’s international image.
Results
The analysis led to the identification of several interrelated dimensions through which sport can play a pivotal role in enhancing Iran's international image. One of the most significant dimensions was cultural development, where sport was found to facilitate intercultural exchange, reduce stereotypes, and foster appreciation for ethnic and racial diversity. Sporting events were recognized as platforms where nations could showcase their cultural uniqueness while simultaneously embracing the global values of cooperation and mutual respect.
Another critical finding was related to political development, where sport was viewed as a diplomatic tool to navigate political challenges, influence public opinion, and enable indirect dialogue among countries. Participation in international sporting events, or even hosting them, provides countries with an opportunity to demonstrate openness and commitment to global cooperation, thereby increasing their political capital.
In terms of economic development, the study found that sports can drive commercial engagement through tourism, the global trade of sports equipment, sponsorship, and infrastructure investment. Especially in a globalized economy, sport creates avenues for attracting foreign capital and showcasing economic readiness.
The study also emphasized the significance of international branding and prestige, where national athletes and teams act as symbols of identity and pride. Successful performances in major sporting events, coupled with strategic media coverage, can elevate a country’s image, instilling admiration and respect internationally. This branding power is not merely symbolic but also has tangible effects in attracting partnerships and recognition.
A less-explored yet essential theme was the exit from isolation. For Iran, facing long-term diplomatic and media-related isolation, sport emerged as a neutral and non-political sphere through which it can reintegrate into global networks. Hosting international events or participating in global competitions provides visibility and enables positive associations beyond political narratives.
The dimension of peace and friendship also surfaced strongly. Sports inherently promote values such as fairness, mutual respect, and cooperation. The study revealed that sporting diplomacy could serve as a conflict resolution mechanism and a means of reducing international tensions by building personal and institutional relationships.
Additionally, the findings supported the role of sport in fostering national unity and cohesion. Sporting achievements often trigger collective emotional responses that transcend social, ethnic, and political divides. This shared sense of national pride reinforces societal solidarity and strengthens the internal image of unity, which can also be reflected externally.
Media interaction was another influential component. Media coverage of sports events—through live broadcasts, interviews, and documentaries—not only spreads awareness about national athletic achievements but also provides opportunities to highlight cultural heritage and natural attractions, indirectly promoting tourism and soft power.
Lastly, the study identified the development of smart power through sport. This refers to a strategic blend of soft and hard power, where Iran can utilize sports platforms to subtly project influence, build alliances, and challenge negative stereotypes without confrontation. By combining athletic success with cultural diplomacy, Iran can shape favorable global perceptions and advance its foreign policy goals.
Statistical analyses confirmed the reliability and consistency of these components. Cultural development ranked as the highest in terms of perceived importance among experts, while exit from isolation, although relatively lower, still maintained considerable influence. Overall, the findings highlight the multifaceted role of sport in serving as a bridge between Iran and the international community.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that sport can serve as a strategic and multifaceted tool for enhancing Iran’s international image and positioning. The identified factors highlight the need for a coordinated national effort that aligns sports development with diplomatic, economic, and cultural objectives.
To fully realize these potentials, Iranian policymakers are urged to:
- Prioritize the internationalization of sports within national development strategies.
- Actively pursue hosting rights for continental and global competitions.
- Utilize elite athletes as cultural ambassadors in global media and events.
- Invest in sports media capabilities to project positive national narratives.
- Promote inclusive participation in sports to reflect the nation’s diversity and unity.
Furthermore, future studies should separately explore the cultural and political dimensions of sports diplomacy to develop tailored strategies for maximizing impact. Through strategic integration of sports into public diplomacy, Iran can transition from a peripheral presence to an influential actor in the global sports and diplomatic landscape.
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