In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, we speak with Professor Lincoln Allison, a political philosopher and academic specialising in the politics of sport. Over a career of more than 40 years, Prof Allison established the Centre for the Study of Sport at the University of Warwick and has authored books such as The Politics of Sport. He discusses the relationship between sport, power structures, historical developments, and international relations.
The conversation covers the historical foundations of modern sport, including influences from ancient Greek practices on events like the discus and javelin, and Roman uses of games for political purposes. Mr. Allison examines the distinction between amateurism and professionalism, with references to cricket's separation of "gentlemen" and "players" until 1963, rugby union's restrictions on compensation until the 1990s, and recent changes in U.S. collegiate athletics. The discussion also addresses the concept of sport's "purity" in the context of commercialization and the focus on individual athletes, while noting the continued role of amateur participation in community settings.
Further topics include the intersection of politics and sport, such as boycotts related to the Cold War and apartheid, the prohibition of Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters at Aston Villa in light of the Israel-Palestine conflict, and Russia's removal from international competitions following the invasion of Ukraine. Mr. Allison considers sport's independence from broader legal frameworks and the implications of increasing global divisions, including the development of cricket in Afghanistan and opportunities for cross-border participation in leagues like the IPL. The episode concludes with reflections on potential future dynamics between sport and geopolitics.
This discussion is relevant for those interested in philosophy, sports history, or international affairs, providing an examination of sport as both a cultural activity and a platform for political influence.
For more on Lincoln Allison's work, please visit https://www.lincolnallison.com/.
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