Title: War by Other Means: International Sport Corruption as an Instrument of Statecraft Application: 5/1 Applicant: Mr Akaash Maharaj Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) 1 Station A Toronto ON M5W 1A2 Canada
[email protected] Tel: +1 (416) 995 3275 Application details: Category: Governance in sport: Change or be changed? -- Type: Other -- Keywords: corruption, diplomacy, international affairs, diplomacy, statecraft, crime, law enforcement, regulation, oversight, conflict of interest -- summary: Sport has become a key instrument of statecraft, as much as diplomacy, defence, or intelligence. To the extent that sport becomes captive to political corruption, it becomes an instrument to prop up tyrannies and to undermine the rule of law. Accordingly, there is a global public interest in establishing independent, democratic oversight of sport organisations\' compliance with legal and ethical standards. -- Abstract: The Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) is a worldwide association of legislators who have come together to combat corruption, strengthen democracy, and uphold the rule of law. We have sixty national chapters and individual members in almost every parliament of the world. Historically, we have focussed on issues such as anti-money laundering, anti-corruption in public procurement, and anti-kleptocracy at the highest levels of the state. In recent years, however, we have become increasingly involved in the struggle for sport integrity. Play the Game 2017 For better and for worse, sport has become a key instrument of Grantfolio v2.0 - 2017-12-14 - 4 - Abstract submission 1 of 281 statecraft, as much as diplomacy and aid, as much as defence and intelligence. At its best, sport can be an unrivalled force for good in the world.