Episode 7.1: International sports intertwine with politics

Meet Bill Smith, a clinical professor and director of the Martin Institute at University of Idaho. When athletes playing at the international level walk onto pitches, courts and fields, the politics of their countries tag along. Listen as Smith explains how cultural identity and politics are woven into soccer jerseys.

Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. 

What does your favorite sports team jersey mean to you?

Dive, kick and dribble your way into the political messiness that is international sports. Smith walks listeners through his colorful and convoluted closet of soccer jerseys, each of which has a story to tell. Smith explores how sports jerseys, team symbols and national colors transcend the game to reflect political messages and forge national identity. The conversation highlights the powerful role of sports in shaping societal narratives, from Ukraine’s jerseys featuring occupied territories to Ghana’s use of soccer for post-independence unity.

Smith delves into the challenges faced by athletes caught between regional pride and international structures, touching on examples like soccer in Spain and Indigenous teams like the Iroquois in lacrosse. He also examines how sports can foster diplomacy or escalate tensions, drawing lessons from historical rivalries. This episode offers a compelling look at how sports can unite, divide and influence global relations.

Music

“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.

“Colombian’s in Zimbabwe” by Anthony Catacoli via soundstripe.