Events and Politics: Bridging Theory and Practice

Events and Politics offers students a cutting-edge, intellectually stimulating, and accessible exploration of the deeply intertwined relationship between events and political power. The book includes 31 chapters from global academics, structured around theoretical and practical considerations based on real-life events such as the Olympic Games and Dinard’s Festival of British Cinema, managerial and policy implications, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Covering broad themes such as soft power, propaganda, sportswashing, human rights, and governance, the book provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the political dimensions of events. Through historical analysis, case studies, and theoretical insights, authors challenge the notion of events as neutral spaces, highlighting how stakeholder interests, geopolitical ambitions, and governance structures influence bidding, planning, and legacy outcomes. With chapter aims, quizzes, and debate questions, this highly engaging and comprehensive book is an essential reading and teaching resource for all students and lecturers of events studies, as well as policymakers in the events industry.