Beijing Olympics and China's Public Diplomacy

The 2008 Beijing Olympics were meticulous, lavish and successful. China used the Games to show its growing global power. Despite initial threats of boycott, pollution, protests, critical media and terrorism, Beijing staged a dazzling event that positively impacted its politics, economics, security and environment. Does China's new global status demand more transparency and accountability? Did Olympic criticism of China over Darfur help the cause for peace in the world? Will the rising China feed or starve Africa's economic transformation? China's Public Diplomacy (PD) is reinforced and undercut by authoritarianism. Patriotism, politicking, sporting, diplomacy and economic factors variously seduced President GW Bush and over 80 other leaders into the grand Bird's Nest on 8.8.2008. This book examines the Olympics in a national and global context; the nexus between sports, politics and economics; China's PD paradox and rising power as a global workshop; and its possible effect on Africa's security, resources and transformation. Hence, this book is recommended for students and practitioners of international relations, diplomacy, politics, sports, China's history and current affairs.