Abstract
Objective: The present research examines special sports events as a tool for para-diplomacy in the border regions of Kermanshah province.
Methodology: The current research adopts a qualitative approach and falls under the category of grounded theory. The data collection tools utilized in this study involve in-depth and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders of special events, diplomacy, and para-diplomacy in the province. The interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Additionally, a snowball sampling method was employed to select interviewees, and the data obtained from 14 interviews were coded and analyzed using the grounded theory approach.
Results: A total of 751 initial codes were extracted from the interview analysis. After extracting similar codes and eliminating duplicates, 259 open initial codes were identified.
Conclusion: Paradiplomacy, as a novel approach, and special sports events, as instruments, should be utilized by governmental figures to advance this approach, leveraging all available capacities in border provinces for national development, regional interaction improvement, and shaping public opinion. In this regard, subnational units in Kermanshah province can contribute to the country's goals and development by leveraging the existing potential for organizing sports events, provided certain authorities are delegated to them through contracts and commitments to national interests.
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