Abstract
Since the conception of the modern-day Olympic Games, the development and expansion of mega sporting events has provoked the involvement of politics on behalf of the involved states. To understand the connection between the athletic and political arenas, this research seeks to find causality between participation in mega sporting events and the subsequent political interactions that take place following clashes between politically rivaling states involved in competition or controversies at mega sporting events. While research on the general relationship between politics and sport has been introduced, the field of research is yet to see any direct causation or proof that sports influence politics. This research is important for supporting the advertised goal of mega sporting events of promoting peace and international cooperation. To find causality, this research analyzes four significant cases where political rivals were involved in controversies through participation in mega sporting events. The following process tracing links subsequent political interactions to the clashes that took place at the events. This research is valuable for understanding the intended outcomes of mega sporting events and their true impacts.
Advisor
Kille, Kent
Department
Political Science
Recommended Citation
Zahren, Rory, "More Than a Game: The Political Impacts of Participation in Mega Sporting Events" (2025). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 11461.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/11461
Publication Date
2025
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2025 Rory Zahren