Ветеранська спортивна дипломатія в системі громадсько-політичного активізму та публічної дипломатії

Nataliia Khoma

doi:10.31861/mhpi2026.53.119-131

Authors

Nataliia Khoma Lviv Polytechnic National University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2507-5741

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31861/mhpi2026.53.119-131

Keywords:

veterans, veteran sports, public diplomacy, veteran sports diplomacy, soft power tools, civic and political activism, humanitarian diplomacy

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine the characteristics and potential of veteran sports diplomacy as a tool for civic and political activism and public diplomacy. The following tasks have been accomplished: 1) the process of the emergence of veteran sports diplomacy has been characterized; 2) the author’s conceptualization of this type of diplomacy has been proposed; 3) global and Ukrainian experience in the implementation of veteran sports diplomacy has been systematized; 4) the mechanisms for integrating veterans into the sphere of international relations through sports instruments have been identified. A research model has been constructed based on the following structural elements: 1) social activism of veterans; 2) involvement in veteran sports; 3) the extension of activity beyond sports into the socio-political sphere in the form of veteran sports diplomacy. It is argued that over the past decade, veteran sports have become integrated into the sphere of activism and public diplomacy. This is explained by: 1) the increased involvement of non-governmental actors in international relations; 2) the global growth in the number of veterans and veteran communities due to challenges to peace and security; 3) the regular occurrence of international veteran sports competitions. Veteran sports diplomacy is defined as a form of civic and political activism that combines elements of veteran sports, state veteran policy, and international relations. Its essence lies in conducting international communication through sports with governmental and non-governmental institutions, as well as with the public in other countries, to promote the interests of one’s own state and the veteran community. It is argued that veteran sports diplomacy has distinct objectives in states at peace and in states experiencing armed conflicts (wars).

Author Biography

Nataliia Khoma, Lviv Polytechnic National University

Doctor of Political Science, Professor, Professor at the Department of Political Science and International Relations

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