Beyond Soccer - by Tamir Bar-On (Paperback)

About the Book

This textbook examines the relationships between soccer, politics, and international relations. It uses soccer players and other individuals connected to the game in order to teach political science concepts-such as geopolitics, ideology, and sovereignty-and IR theories-includ...

Book Synopsis

As the world's most popular game, soccer is unique in its ability to reflect and impact culture, society, and politics. Beyond Soccer: International Relations and Politics as Seen through the Beautiful Game provides students with a new and innovative way to learn about political science and international relations. It uses soccer players, officials, fans, and organizations to teach political science concepts--such as geopolitics, discourses, and sovereignty--and IR theories--including realism, liberalism, and feminism. This text also incorporates three common soccer discourses to highlight the possibilities of soccer as a tool for unity and social change, as a defender of established power, and as simultaneously a mechanism used by established power and an engine for social resistance.

With exercises, discussion questions, and keywords included in each chapter, Beyond Soccer is a worthwhile and accessible educational tool. Primarily written for undergraduate students of all levels, this book will be valuable in political science, international relations, cultural studies, and sociology courses.

Review Quotes

"Some scholars maintain that soccer contributes to international peace relations. Others argue soccer spreads conflict and leads to war. Tamir Bar-On argues that soccer can actually work both ways, depending on the context. Beyond Soccer is a must read for anyone interested in examining the role of sports in international relations, particularly "the beautiful game."" --Danyel Reiche, associate professor for comparative politics, American University of Beirut

Some scholars maintain that soccer contributes to international peace relations. Others argue soccer spreads conflict and leads to war. Tamir Bar-On argues that soccer can actually work both ways, depending on the context. Beyond Soccer is a must read for anyone interested in examining the role of sports in international relations, particularly "the beautiful game."

About the Author

Tamir Bar-On is a researcher and professor in the School of Social Sciences and Government, Tec de Monterrey. He is the author of Where Have All the Fascists Gone? (2007), Rethinking the French New Right: Alternatives to Modernity (2013), and The World through Soccer: The Cultural Impact of a Global Sport (Rowman & Littlefield, 2014).