China's stadium diplomacy and its determinants: a typological analysis of soft power

Abstract

Since 1958, China has been engaging in a worldwide program of stadium construction, however, previous research has failed to systematically investigate, developing case-specific explanations and unable even to define the phenomenon under investigation. This analysis employs positivist methodologies to define stadium diplomacy and locate all known cases. A typology and classification system permits a comparison of like types and development of a multi-determinant theory holding China engages in stadium diplomacy to secure friends and resources.
The positivist investigatory technique of operationalizing soft power has been demonstrated effective. This methodology is generalizable and may serve to develop a more rich research programme into the nature, use, and effectiveness of soft power.