Sports events harness a strong appeal mechanism that reaches international and domestic audiences; therefore, sports events are commonly used as a soft-power or a diplomatic tool. Military sports events also can affect national military power projection and military-to-military relations, or may even provide a platform for arms deals. This thesis asserts that sports can enhance military-to-military relations through military sports diplomacy (MSD). Through an analytical comparison between historic and modern military sports and country case studies, this thesis considers the prospects and risks associated with organized military sports events and defines how MSD serves to complement greater diplomatic efforts. The evolution of such major sports institutions as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Military Sports Council (CISM), especially against the backdrop of organized sports and soldiers throughout European history, has lent to military sports a continuous oscillating relationship between peace and violence. More recent examples of military sporting events are less violent, but more subtly deceitful, which is evidenced in the cases of Russia’s International Army Games and China’s Military World Games. There is a power vested in military athletes to improve relations through international military sports events. Although sports are often considered “war without weapons,” MSD has much to offer in terms of international relations and peace.

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Lieutenant, United States Navy