Sport Statehood and Transition in Europe

<p>This book examines the political significance of sport and its importance for nation-state building and political and economic transition across thirteen post-Soviet and post-socialist countries primarily located in Eastern Europe.</p><p>Adopting a critical case-study approach building on historical and comparative frameworks the book uses sport as a symbolic lens through which to examine the transition of Eastern European countries to the Western capitalist system. Covering a wide geographical area from Poland to the Caucuses and Turkmenistan it explores key themes such as nationalism governance power relations political ideology separatism commercialisation and economic development and the symbolic value of mega-events.</p><p><em>Sport Statehood and Transition in Europe</em> is fascinating reading for anybody with an interest in sport policy the politics of sport or political science.</p>