Book review : Sport policy in small states

Abstract

This book consists of eight chapters. Its geographical scope is partially global in character since it deals with nine “small states” across Europe (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Ireland), the Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda), Oceania (New Zealand) and Asia/ Middle East (Singapore, Lebanon). Its small size might be consistent with its subject matter of small states but it still “punches [way] above its weight” as it offers a veritable one stop shop in the study of the changed role of the state in the development of sport and the sport policy process, conceptually, theoretically, methodologically as well as empirically, in several “small states” across the world. In the latter regard, it offers an extremely useful source of policy learning based on the lessons that can be drawn from the various country cases examined in relation to the major dimensions of the [sport] policy process that include notably, agenda setting, policy development/formulation, implementation as well as evaluation. Consequently, it is just what the doctor ordered (to use an old cliché) for a still nascent sub-field of public policy whose growth and sustainability, like any other, would depend on the creation of a body of knowledge that can service the needs of students, teachers, researchers, policy makers as well as the various stakeholders in the sporting community. This gives the book added appeal and value as a resource for research, teaching and learning in relation to sport policy. [excerpt]