This book begins with three main propositions – that politicians use sport, that sport reflects political conditions and that sport itself contributes to political culture for good or for ill. Against this background Sport and Politics explores the key points of interaction between the two, including national and international sport policy, the political economy of sport, nationalism in sport, sport in political thought, globalisation, the politics of sporting celebrity, and the neighbouring academic communities of sport and political science. With fascinating case studies woven throughout, this book is the perfect introduction to an important contemporary topic for all students of sport, politics and society.