Strategie a nástroje sportovní diplomacie Francie pro Letní olympijské hry 2024

This thesis focuses on instruments and strategies of French sports diplomacy in connection with the hosting of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. In international relations, sports diplomacy is viewed as a tool of soft power that can contribute to building a positive image of a country. International politics and sports have been closely interconnected for a long time, and sports diplomacy is becoming an established area of research. Major sporting events, such as the Olympic Games, provide a suitable setting for the analysis of how sport is used not only to showcase athletic achievements but also to achieve diplomatic goals. The aim of this thesis is to analyze the specific tools and strategies of sports diplomacy that France employed in connection with hosting the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The empirical part of the study is designed as a qualitative single-case study. Based on the analysis, it can be concluded that the main strategies included the use of the Games as a means of political dialogue, the promotion of French culture and national identity, a focus on sustainability, the social legacy of the Games, and the development of international cooperation. France relied primarily on political representation, diplomatic forums, cultural programs, the opening ceremony, and development projects as tools of sports diplomacy. However, the study also highlights the limitations of this strategy, particularly in light of criticism regarding costs, social impacts, and environmental transparency.