How Soccer Explains the World
An Unlikely Theory of Globalization
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4.2 • 86 Ratings
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
"An eccentric, fascinating exposé of a world most of us know nothing about. . . . Bristles with anecdotes that are almost impossible to believe." —New York Times Book Review
"Terrific. . . . A travelogue full of important insights into both cultural change and persistence. . . . Foer’s soccer odyssey lends weight to the argument that a humane world order is possible." — Washington Post Book World
A groundbreaking work—named one of the five most influential sports books of the decade by Sports Illustrated—How Soccer Explains the World is a unique and brilliantly illuminating work of political journalism that looks at soccer, the world’s most popular sport, as a lens through which to view the pressing issues of our age, from the clash of civilizations to the global economy.
From Brazil to Bosnia, and Italy to Iran, this is an eye-opening chronicle of how soccer culture and its fanatical followers can highlight the fault lines of a society, whether it’s terrorism, poverty, anti-Semitism, or radical Islam—issues that now have an impact on all of us. Filled with blazing intelligence, colorful characters, wry humor, and an equal passion for soccer and humanity, How Soccer Explains the World is an utterly original book that makes sense of our troubled times.
In this unlikely theory of globalization, you’ll discover:
Globalization’s Fault Lines: How the world’s most popular sport reveals the surprising ways ancient hatreds and local identities resist the march of a global economy.Sports and Politics: From the gangster-run clubs of Serbia to the bourgeois nationalism of Barcelona, see how soccer becomes a vehicle for political identity, revolution, and corruption.Cultural Commentary: A journalistic tour that explores why hooligans in England embrace a Jewish identity, what makes Brazilian soccer clubs so corrupt, and how the game offers hope in Iran.A Unique Worldview: Through a blend of travelogue, history, and economics, Foer provides an entirely new way to understand the forces shaping our world.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Foer, a New Republic editor, scores a game-winning goal with this analysis of the interchange between soccer and the new global economy. The subtitle is a bit misleading, though: he doesn't really use soccer to develop a theory; instead, he focuses on how examining soccer in different countries allows us to understand how international forces affect politics and life around the globe. The book is full of colorful reporting, strong characters and insightful analysis: In one of the most compelling chapters, Foer shows how a soccer thug in Serbia helped to organize troops who committed atrocities in the Balkan War by the end of the war, the thug's men, with the acquiescence of Serbian leaders, had killed at least 2,000 Croats and Bosnians. Then he bought his own soccer club and, before he was gunned down in 2000, intimidated other teams into losing. Most of the stories aren't as gruesome, but they're equally fascinating. The crude hatred, racism and anti-Semitism on display in many soccer stadiums is simply amazing, and Foer offers context for them, including how current economic conditions are affecting these manifestations. In Scotland, the management of some teams have kept religious hatreds alive in order to sell tickets and team merchandise. But Foer, a diehard soccer enthusiast, is no anti-globalist. In Iran, for example, he depicts how soccer works as a modernizing force: thousands of women forced police to allow them into a men's-only stadium to celebrate the national team's triumph in an international match. One doesn't have to be a soccer fan to truly appreciate this absorbing book.
Customer Reviews
Overall Good Book
Whilst overall I thought it was a very good book with interesting and unique stories and examples, I though it skimped a little on the analogy between soccer and globalisation. Even though it was clearly there I felt it could have been better explained and more plainly put. But other than that I quite enjoyed it and really loved the ability to read it on my iPad/iPhone.
Great Sports Book
This is a well researched and thoughtfully composed book. I highly recommend it for anyone, soccer fan or not, who is interested in the dynamics of tribalism and the general human condition. The only disappointment is that I've never read a sports book that is close to this in quality.
Indispensable
For those who love the game, this is a must read. Indispensable for understanding why soccer rivalries transcend sport. I couldn't put it down.