Pursuing Identity as a Global Power: Sport as a Nexus for Public Diplomacy and Strategic Communication in the Century of Türkiye

The dichotomy between great powers and weak states has long dominated international politics. The rise of middle powers has challenged this power-centered structure, and some middle powers have attempted to position themselves as pivotal players in global politics. Türkiye’s two mottos, “The World is bigger than five” and “The Century of Türkiye,” epitomize this challenge. Nevertheless, being recognized as a global player requires solid political cohesion at home and the projection of that identity to the international community, along with its acknowledgmentby the recipients. Achieving this internal and external recognition can be facilitated through public diplomacy and strategic communication, and this paper explores the potential use of sportsas a tool for public diplomacy and strategic communication. The focal point of this study is how Türkiye positions sport within the context of its public diplomacy and strategic communication endeavors. In this regard, a comprehensive discussion is undertaken on Türkiye’s utilization of sports diplomacy, with the objective of examining the study’s theoretical frameworks. To this end, a mixed research method was employed, encompassing a literature review and content analysis. The literature review section is based on international academic publications relevant to public diplomacy, strategic communication, and the intersection of sport and diplomacy. The content analysis section involves analyzing news reflected in the international press and the reports and announcements channels of institutions that are effective in Türkiye’s foreign policy.