The Olympics and Paralympics present an unmatched opportunity to build international relations and Scotland can learn from the Paris experience, a study suggests. The extent to which the French journey – from bidding to Friday’s opening – has involved the nation’s diplomatic and cultural exchange networks has been especially significant, researchers say.These have considerably helped to advance French influence, trade, business and cultural relationships, according to a team from the University of Edinburgh’s Academy of Sport.The significance of the Olympics and Paralympics as ‘an opportunity for international relations should not be underestimated and Scotland can learn from the Paris experience, research suggests. The study reveals that 146 embassies have helped to raise the profile of the Olympics and Paralympics among the French diaspora worldwide.These embassies have also helped to promote the Paris Games in countries with which France has historic ties, as well as those it hopes to influence.Diplomatic network“This diplomatic network has actively supported not just the 2024 Paris Games but the wider French sports movement,” says Professor Grant Jarvie, the University’s Chair of Sport, who led the report.“And, by focusing on organisation and infrastructure as well as sporting performance, their efforts have helped to showcase French innovation and expertise.”Such an all-embracing strategy remains something of an untapped resource in Scotland despite some progress in other parts of the UK, says Professor Jarvie.Unique opportunityParis 2024 provides not only an Olympic spectacle but also an opportunity for dialogue and connectivity in a troubled France and a fraught international landscape.The Games are expected to be watched by more than 3 billion people and offer the chance for nations to engage inside and outside of the competitive arena.Nine years on from announcing its bid to host the 2024 Games, Paris is set to welcome 206 nations to the Olympics and 184 countries to the Paralympics.“The Olympics alone will not solve the world’s challenges,” says Professor Jarvie, “but it is a proven pillar of connectivity that has a part to play.”Untapped resourcesAlthough Scotland lacks the infrastructure that the French have put in place, there are significant untapped channels that could increase Scottish sport’s sphere of influence, the study team says.Given that foreign policy remains a UK Government jurisdiction, the Scottish Government should work with – and through – Westminster to use sport as a tool for global engagement.Sport could enable Scotland to better connect with agencies such as European football’s governing body UEFA, the United Nations and the World Health Organization.“Sport is something that Scotland has yet to fully develop as a tool for enabling international co-operation, negotiation and representation,” says Professor Jarvie.“Other countries are and have been doing this for a while, including the French. but also China, Wales and Australia.”Prize assetScottish sport is also a prize asset that could be used to greater effect by the Culture and Major Events Directorate of the Scottish Government, the study concludes.It could be utilised not only to enhance relationships between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom, but also strengthen ties between communities within Scotland.“When used in a nuanced culturally informed way, sport can be a tool that can enable cultural and politicaloutcomes,” says Professor Jarvie.Related linksAcademy of SportParis Olympics and Paralympics: Facts, Myths and IssuesPhoto credit Solen Feyissa on Unsplash Publication date 26 Jul, 2024
