Michal Marcin Kobierecki is assistant professor of political science at the University of Lodz.

It turns out that the history of sport's involvement in politics is as interesting as sport itself. In contrast to the usually negative associations attributed to sport and politics, Kobeirecki is able to point out and excitingly describe the positive role of sport in international relations.

• IntroductionChapter 1: Connotation of the Category ‘Sports Diplomacy’ – From a Colloquial Overview to a Conceptualisation AttemptChapter 2: Sports Diplomacy as an Activity for Shaping Positive Relations between StatesChapter 3: Sports Diplomacy as a Tool for Shaping the Desirable Image of StatesChapter 4: The Diplomacy of Organizations Governing International SportConclusions

Michal Marcin Kobierecki is assistant professor of political science at the University of Lodz.

It turns out that the history of sport's involvement in politics is as interesting as sport itself. In contrast to the usually negative associations attributed to sport and politics, Kobeirecki is able to point out and excitingly describe the positive role of sport in international relations.

• IntroductionChapter 1: Connotation of the Category ‘Sports Diplomacy’ – From a Colloquial Overview to a Conceptualisation AttemptChapter 2: Sports Diplomacy as an Activity for Shaping Positive Relations between StatesChapter 3: Sports Diplomacy as a Tool for Shaping the Desirable Image of StatesChapter 4: The Diplomacy of Organizations Governing International SportConclusions

Michal Marcin Kobierecki is assistant professor of political science at the University of Lodz.

It turns out that the history of sport's involvement in politics is as interesting as sport itself. In contrast to the usually negative associations attributed to sport and politics, Kobeirecki is able to point out and excitingly describe the positive role of sport in international relations.

• IntroductionChapter 1: Connotation of the Category ‘Sports Diplomacy’ – From a Colloquial Overview to a Conceptualisation AttemptChapter 2: Sports Diplomacy as an Activity for Shaping Positive Relations between StatesChapter 3: Sports Diplomacy as a Tool for Shaping the Desirable Image of StatesChapter 4: The Diplomacy of Organizations Governing International SportConclusions