Diplomacy and the Olympic Bid

Abstract

The process of bidding for the Olympic Games now entails intensive diplomatic activity by a range of actors within the Olympic Movement, formal state diplomacy channels and through a wide range of local and regional stakeholders. At the same time, concerns regarding the integrity of the Movement have resulted in procedural changes – for example those initiated by the IOC 2000 Commission in the wake of controversy surrounding the Salt Lake City bid for the 2002 Winter Olympics – that ostensibly limit the scope of organizing committees and related organizations (state and non-state) to use more unorthodox lobbying initiatives. This chapter examines the institutionalization of the bidding process and the development of diplomatic engagement as a tool for pursuing the objectives of those involved in the bid. In this, it re-visits the characteristics of diplomacy broadly defined, as a process that involves a range of actors engaged in interest representation, in varying relationships with the state. It suggests that an assessment of ‘bid diplomacy’ is helpful when considering the wider issue of how sub-state, state, regional and international organizations interface through (multi-layered) diplomatic discourse. Furthermore, it provides the basis for questioning the dichotomy between foreign and domestic policy evident in much political commentary. Through its British case study, the chapter considers how diplomatic factors can contribute to both failed and successful bids. The case study ends with an introduction to key diplomatic issues relating to bidding for the 2012 Olympic Games (this issue is considered in more detail in Chapter 9). The chapter then briefly considers the direction of diplomatic discourse in relation to bidding for future Games.