Sports diplomacy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the study of the peculiarities of sports diplomacy as part of the soft power of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in the context of the implementation of Vision 2030. The research analyzes the factors of interdependence between current domestic, regional, and global policies of Saudi Arabia. The paper highlights the reasons and motives of the representatives of the House of Saud for the modernization of the country, which is based on economic and social principles and requires positive information coverage at the global and regional levels. The study provides a detailed description of sport-washing. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the KSA sports diplomacy as one of the areas of Vision 2030 implementation. The methodology of the system approach is used in the study, i. e., system-structural analysis and system-functional analysis, as well as event-analysis, method of decision-making analysis, and prognostic method. The research deals with the information, communication, and organizational levels of sports diplomacy. Strategic negotiations with leading international associations, information support, and development of the domestic and international network of the sports industry can help reduce the conflict setting and establish mutual understanding with the domestic and foreign publicity. The launch of large-scale government programs not only promotes sports in the KSA but also aims to raise national sports standards and the educational setting and attract domestic and foreign investments (King Abdullah Sports City, NEOM, the Kingdom’s Capital of Entertainment, Qiddiya Sports and Arts, etc.). The monarchy’s global image is apt to be improved by holding international competitions in many sports and the participation of Saudi athletes in international sporting events, including the Tokyo 2021 Summer Olympic Games and the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games. The Kingdom is alleged to face a number of obstacles to implementing its Vision 2030 foreign policy strategy and conducting sports diplomacy, including allegations of human rights abuses, interference in the Yemen conflict, and strained relations in the region.
Thus, the development of sports diplomacy does not play a minor role in implementing the new foreign policy doctrine of the KSA and requires an analysis of methods and tools to predict the further development of the study area and the country in general.