Publication

This paper explores the political motivations of hosting mega sports events (MSEs). It begins by considering how MSEs may be used as tools of domestic and foreign policy, and the extent to which they are viewed as effective resources by countries seeking to enhance their role and influence in international affairs. The report then focuses on the aims and objectives articulated by Germany and South Africa in the lead up to their respective hosting of the World Cup in 2006 and 2010. The author considers whether developed and developing countries share international objectives for such events, and whether similarities and differences in ambition and outcome may be attributed to their respective stages of development.