China's already significant international influence continues to grow. It's no secret
that China's vision of a more Chinese-friendly international order differs from core
features of the current American-led order. In recent years, China has taken numerous
steps to elevate its status and garner greater international influence with the hopes
of reshaping aspects of the current international order. Investing in elite sport
and hosting Olympic events is part of China's broader strategy for status and influence.
This presentation examines the role of sport in foreign policy, how China cultivates
influence, and the function of the Olympic Games in China's foreign policy ambitions.
About the presenter: Joseph Scanlon, Ph.D., is assistant professor of political science at Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York. Dr. Scanlon's teaching and research interests include American Government, Comparative Politics, and International Relations, with a specialized research interest in the global politics of sport. He is the coordinator of The Democracy Commitment at MCC, a campus initiative promotes civic engagement, participation in civic education, and meaningful democratic practices such as deliberative dialogues. He is also an active participant in the State University of New York's Collaborative Online International Learning initiative, where students in his International Politics course collaborate on joint projects with students attending international universities.
Free virtual event; registration required at .
Presented by North Central's International Committee