"Over some years Yoav Dubinsky has established himself as a key voice in understanding the way in which sports events are part of global politics. Now, in this hugely valuable and insightful book, he pulls his ideas together in a single volume and takes the reader on a world tour of sporting controversy, manipulation and glory associated with the attempt to boost national images through sports. Cases abound from the era of Alexander the Great, through the dark days of Fascist sporting propaganda, to commercialization and then our own era of the COVID 19 Pandemic. This book deserves to be a standard text for all interested in soft power, public diplomacy, nation brands or branding, including would-be hosts. Dubinsky argues that realities matter and that hypocrisy renders states vulnerable. He shows that sports are more than just a game." (Professor Nicholas J. Cull, University of Southern California) "Social cohesion is such a crucial component in universalizing international understanding.

Sport plays a major role in driving this concept. Yoav Dubinsky, besides analyzing this hypothesis, annotates this supposition within the workings of the national and international sports structures. The historical and the evolving developments in international sport are highlighted in great detail giving the reader a broader landscape for introspection. A must read for both historians and sports enthusiasts in understanding a system that has so many variants." (Dr. Sam Ramsamy, Honorary Member of the International Olympic Committee and 1st Vice President of World Aquatics).