Dr. Tiest Sondaal, Assistant Professor of International Relations, presented a seminar organized by the Department of General Studies on 9 December 2013. Dr. Sondaal who joined the GS Department in August 2013 was formerly a professional football player in the US. Hence, he has a unique perspective on socio-cultural, political and economic roles that football plays in our globalized world. Dr. Sondaal stressed that it is understood that ‘the beautiful game’ moves people emotionally, but it also provides millions globally with a strong sense of local, regional and national identity. The presentation also considered the local role of football clubs as vital socio-cultural and economic actors as they provide services and identity constructs beyond simply entertainment. Moreover, he stressed that soccer can have a major political impact and the game has often been employed by politicians to enhance international prestige and domestic popularity. Finally, Dr. Sondaal noted that in the globalized world, soccer has become big business, certain football players are now ‘global stars’, and this football has become inextricably linked to the spread of neoliberal, free-market economic policies.
This well-received presentation was attended by faculty and students. The talk prompted a series of interesting questions and related issues that were addressed by Dr. Sondaal individually and subsequently discussed by the audience.
