Olympism and Nationalism - A Feasible Model of Conflict Types and Intensity: The Case of Israel

Numerous studies in the field of international relations have been conducted with regards to exploiting international sports events for the purpose of states to promote political interests in the international arena. This study focused on another aspect of international sports events, which is their influence on defining the transnational identity of participating countries, using Israel as a case study. Often this influence is congruent with their national identities, and at other times, this influence conflicts with their national identities, and the ways in which these countries cope with this influence. The research addressed the Olympic Movement and its activities, as it is a movement with a philosophy based on the belief that it can educate people in its values through sports. Thus, the research aimed to examine the role of international sports events in defining transnational identity.

The research adopted a qualitative research approach (with a small quantitative section) and a case study. It was conducted in the years 2013-2014, in Israel and Lausanne, and collected evidence from official documents, and 26 participants associated with national and international sports events and politics. Content analysis was conducted to make sense of the data collected.

The data analysis yielded the SDTI (Sport Defining Transnational Identity) model that was developed in this research. The model points to an interaction that exists between an international organization that takes an active role in the international relations system of national organizations that are its members, and the society and government in which this organization operates. This interaction brings together and sometimes leads to conflict between the international organization`s transnational values and the national values of its member organizations. The model points to a fluent and dynamic process in which each side influences and is influenced. The Feasible Model of Conflict Types and Intensity constructed in this research may enable identifying, in advance, the areas of conflict and their intensity by understanding the bottom line of each of the players and consequently define the playing field in which conflict can be conducted without breaking the rules. Contribution to knowledge was made by the SDTI model in the area of international relations from the point of view of defining transnational identity within the context of international sports events.