Football Nationalism and Mega Events

Football, Nationalism and Mega-Events examines how international football contributes to the reproduction of national identity and nationalism, using the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship (Euro 2012) in Poland and Ukraine as a case study. Through a detailed analysis of football as a cultural and political phenomenon, the book examines how national symbols, rivalries and the collective experience of matches contribute to the reinforcement of nationalist ideologies. It delves into the ways in which football fosters a sense of community among supporters, transforms matches into informal national celebrations and becomes a platform for commercial and diplomatic exploitation of patriotism. Drawing on the constructivist approach to nationalism studies, particularly the concept of “nationalism without nations,” the book challenges traditional assumptions about nationhood and explores the intersection of sport, globalization and the civic versus ethnic definitions of nationality. By incorporating examples from both Western and non-Western contexts, the book offers a fresh perspective on the role of football in shaping the nationalist worldview, with a particular focus on Euro 2012. This book will appeal to students, academics and researchers interested in nationalism, international relations, sports studies, cultural studies and sociology. It provides valuable insights into the interplay between sport and national identity, making it an essential resource for those studying the dynamics of nationalism in a globalized world.