International sports development policies

This chapter explores the emergence, development, and contemporary presence of international sport policies, with a focus on the role of governmental and non-governmental organisations’ visions of sports development. This chapter updates and builds upon the work of Aaron Beacom and Roger Levermore (2008) on “International Policy and Sport-in-Development.” It explores the growing importance of sport in international public policy and the influence of global forces on national sport policies. Beyond individual national governments, there are key actors spanning major international non-governmental organisations (such as the United Nations) and transnational sport organisations (such as the IOC and FIFA). These actors, alongside global financial capital and media companies, are linked in varying ways with regional and national public policy frameworks. They seek to shape and manage contrasting visions, goals and delivery mechanisms for international sports development policies.<p></p>