Além das fronteiras dos campos: o esporte como poder e diplomacia nas Relações Internacionais

Abstract

This research aims to understand how sports can be utilized by state or non-state actors as tools, according to the interests of those using them, the manner in which they are used, and the historic-social context in which they belong. This is achieved through the conceptualization of relevant terms from the study of International Relations and theoretical conceptions developed by the American political scientists Victor D. Cha and Joseph Nye. Furthermore, the research seeks to analyze two specific cases, the first one is the relationship between the United States of America and American football through its professional and university leagues. Through an analysis of the sport’s evolution throughout its origins to its current format, which has formed the most lucrative sports leagues in the world, along with an analysis of the symbologies presented in the practice of this sport, this study shows how it reflects intrinsic values of American society. The other case to be explored in this work addresses the period when Emílio Garrastazu Médici was the president during the Brazilian military dictatorship, and his relationship with the Brazilian national team and the conquest of the 1970 World Cup title. It seeks to understand how Médici merged his image to the squad led by Pelé, Tostão, Rivelino, among others, that were world champions in Mexico, and how this victory transformed football into an even greater phenomenon through the dictatorship’s use of national symbols, as if the victory belonged not only to team, but to Brazil as well, and, consequently to the dictatorship. Finally, we understand the connection between the theoretical hypotheses developed by the scientists and what has happened across history and the examples elaborated throughout the study. And how, in both the Brazilian and American cases, there are particularities and different classifications regarding the use of sports.