Sport, the military and peacemaking: history and possibilities

This paper examines the role and contribution of peace-making to the wider sport, development and peace (SDP) sector. Particular attention is paid to a hitherto under-explored subject: the complex position of the military vis-a`-vis sport and sport-related peacekeeping. Through an historical overview of the sport–military intersection, reference to fieldwork in Bosnia and Liberia, and a brief examination of the Conseil Internationale du Sport Militaire, some critical and cautious conclusions are put forth. We suggest that sport-based peacemaking interventions provide the military with a new kind of institutional function, and fresh ways of building positive social links to civilian populations. However, such engagement is only possible if full dialogical engagement between civilians and peacekeeping forces is established, in which the military adapt their practices to suit the local cultural context.