MOHAMMED VI POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

READING RESPONSE 5

BY
Nouha BOUKBIR Aya ISLANI Chaimae TALIB Yasmine SAADI

FACULTY OF GOVERNANCE, ECONOMICS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

WORK PRESENTED TO THE PROFESSOR NICOLAS POROT

RES201S-RESEARCH METHODS IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES 1:
BUILDING A LITERATURE REVIEW

NOVEMBER 2023
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RES201S-Research Methods in the Social Sciences

Reading Response 5

Article n°1:A figurational approach to soft power and sport events. The case of the FIFA

World Cup Qatar 2022:

Presented by: ISLANI Aya

The analysis of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ in the referenced text portrays it as a

significant soft power tool for Qatar, strategically utilizing attraction and persuasion to

enhance the nation's global influence in alignment with Joseph Nye's concept of soft power.

The article highlights the transformative impact of the World Cup on Qatar's international

image, citing the event's substantial media coverage that showcased the country's

infrastructure, culture, and hospitality on a global scale. Notably, the portrayal of Qatar in

international media evolved from a conservative state to a progressive and open nation,

exemplified by articles in publications like The Guardian emphasizing Qatar's cultural appeal

and developmental progress. Additionally, the World Cup served as a catalyst for Qatar's

economic growth by attracting foreign investment and fostering tourism. Reports from

entities like Cushman and Wakefield highlighted the surge in Qatar's real estate market

post-event, attributing it to increased visibility and attractiveness as an investment

destination. Qatar Airways also experienced a notable rise in passenger traffic, further

indicating the event's impact on boosting tourism in the country. The article also

emphasizes the World Cup's role in strengthening Qatar's diplomatic relations by hosting

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RES201S-Research Methods in the Social Sciences

dignitaries and officials from various nations, thereby enhancing its diplomatic stature and

facilitating international collaboration.

Relevant to the research project on sport diplomacy and soft power dynamics in Africa and

the Middle East, the article provides critical insights into how football operates as a soft

power tool. It illustrates Qatar's strategic utilization of the World Cup to enhance its global

image, attract investment, fortify diplomatic ties, and influence global perceptions, aligning

with the strategic goals of Morocco and Qatar in utilizing football for regional prominence

and economic advancement. Moreover, the article's emphasis on fostering relationships

resonates with the research project's focus on sport diplomacy's role in advancing foreign

policy objectives.

However, despite its valuable insights, the article faces several limitations. It predominantly

emphasizes the positive impacts of the World Cup on Qatar's soft power, neglecting

potential negative consequences and alternative perspectives. A more balanced analysis

should consider unintended repercussions and criticisms, such as over-reliance on sport for

soft power and allegations of manipulative practices. Furthermore, its singular focus on

Qatar and the FIFA World Cup 2022™ limits the generalizability of its findings, necessitating

a more inclusive approach encompassing diverse cases and events. Additionally, its

simplistic application of figurational theory overlooks the complex nature of soft power,

necessitating a more nuanced understanding that encompasses cultural influence and

domestic dynamics shaping a country's soft power strategy through sports. Addressing

these limitations would enrich the article's depth and comprehensiveness, providing a more

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holistic understanding of the intricate relationship between sport, soft power, and

international relations.

Article n° 2 : Sport and International Relations: Qatari Soft Power and Foreign Policy

Making Noof Al-Dosari

Presented by : TALIB Chaimae

In the realm of international relations, the unconventional yet impactful role of sports has

increasingly garnered attention. This essay delves into the intricate relationship between

sports and international diplomacy, specifically through the lens of Noof Al-Dosari’s article,

"Sport and International Relations: Qatari Soft Power and Foreign Policy Making." The article

serves as a pivotal reference for understanding how a nation, particularly Qatar, leverages

sports as a strategic tool in foreign policy and soft power. Al-Dosari’s central claim revolves

around the significant role of sports in politics and international relations, focusing on

Qatar's use of sports diplomacy. The paper challenges the traditional Realist School of

international relations, advocating for a post-structuralist-interpretive approach. This

perspective is crucial in understanding the nuances of sports diplomacy in different cultural

contexts. Al-Dosari argues that Qatar has strategically used major sports events, like the

FIFA World Cup 2022, to shape its political identity and achieve foreign policy objectives.

This approach marks a departure from conventional diplomatic strategies, highlighting the

evolving nature of international relations where soft power plays a pivotal role. The

relevance of Al-Dosari’s work to my research assignment is profound. My research focuses

on the intersection of sports and international relations, and this article provides a unique

case study of Qatar. It illustrates how a relatively small nation can use a global sports event

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to assert its presence on the world stage. The case of Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup

2022 exemplifies how sports events can transcend mere entertainment, becoming

platforms for diplomatic engagement and international visibility. This aligns with the core

themes of my research, which seeks to explore the broader implications of sports in shaping

international perceptions and relations. However, Al-Dosari’s article, while comprehensive

in its analysis of Qatar's sports diplomacy, lacks a critical examination of the potential

downsides of this strategy. The concept of 'sportswashing' is a critical area that needs

exploration. Countries may use sports to divert attention from less favorable aspects, such

as human rights issues or political controversies. This aspect raises ethical questions about

the use of sports in diplomacy, especially in contexts where human rights or democratic

values are concerns. Future research should explore these ethical implications and the

effectiveness of sports diplomacy in a more balanced manner, possibly through comparative

studies with other nations employing similar strategies. In conclusion, Al-Dosari’s article is a

significant contribution to the field of international relations, particularly in understanding

the role of sports as a form of soft power. It provides a nuanced perspective on how sports

can be strategically used in diplomacy, offering insights into the evolving dynamics of

international relations. However, a more critical and balanced approach, considering both

the benefits and potential ethical challenges of sports diplomacy, would provide a more

comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon. As the world continues to witness the

growing influence of sports in international affairs, it becomes imperative to critically assess

and understand the multifaceted roles and impacts of sports in the global arena