The Modeling of Soft Power Implementation throughout Sport Diplomacy

As we enter the 21st century, sports are becoming an essential part of the toolbox of a country’s public diplomacy. The aim of this study was at modeling of soft power implementation throughout sport diplomacy. This was a fundamental study, a qualitative one that held in survey. The statistical population included the international experts in the fields of public and sports diplomacy. By review of the literature, 200 experts were identified, and 30 experts were selected as sample using purposive sampling method. A semi-open researcher-made questionnaire was designed to collect the experts’ opinions. Fuzzy Delphi method was used for data analysis using Excel 2013 software. The results of two fuzzy Delphi round analyzes led to the confirmation of the model of soft power implementation throughout sport diplomacy. Hence, sports diplomacy resources were classified into three categories, including sporting events, sports human capitals, and sports producers and products. The conversion Tools of sports diplomacy resources to diplomatic outcomes were identified as official and sports diplomacy solidarity, competent cultural ambassadors, high performance, and mass media coverage. The outcomes of sport diplomacy endeavors were categorized into two groups of explicit/special outcomes and implicit/general outcomes. The main outcome of the implementation of sport diplomacy initiatives and plans is to create peace through the reduction/elimination of tension between hostile states/nations and the development of peace between friendly states/nations.