{"product_id":"soccer-against-the-enemy-how-the-worlds-most-popular-sport-starts-and-fuels-revolutions-and-keeps-dictators-in-power-9781568586335","title":"Soccer Against the Enemy: How the World's Most Popular Sport Starts and Fuels Revolutions and Keeps Dictators in Power","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSoccer Against the Enemy: Politics, Culture, and the World's Game\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\nSimon Kuper's award-winning book examines soccer as more than just a sport—it's a global phenomenon that shapes politics, culture, and society across continents. This paperback edition takes readers on a journey through 22 countries, revealing how the world's most popular game influences revolutions, sustains dictatorships, and serves as an international language understood by millions.\n\n\u003ch2\u003eA Journey Through Soccer's Political Landscape\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\nKuper's investigative approach uncovers the complex relationship between soccer and political power. From East Berlin to Argentina, the author documents firsthand accounts of fans whose lives have been shaped by their devotion to the game. The narrative includes encounters with an East Berliner persecuted by the Stasi for supporting his local team and an Argentine general with distinct tactical philosophies.\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCultural Analysis and Global Perspectives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\nThis book answers a fundamental question: why do different nations play the same simple game so differently? Through extensive travel and research, Kuper identifies the cultural, political, and social factors that shape each country's unique approach to soccer. The analysis extends beyond the pitch to examine how soccer reflects national identity and influences international relations.\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePost-9\/11 Context and Modern Relevance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\nThe book addresses the intersection of soccer and global politics in the wake of September 11th, exploring how figures like Osama bin Laden viewed the sport. This section provides crucial context for understanding soccer's role in contemporary geopolitics and its significance beyond entertainment.\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAward-Winning Sports Journalism\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\nWinner of the William Hill Prize for sports book of the year in Britain, this work represents some of the finest sports journalism available. Simon Kuper, a Financial Times columnist based in Paris, combines rigorous reporting with accessible storytelling to create a book that appeals to soccer enthusiasts and general readers interested in global culture.\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cb\u003eSimon Kuper\u003c\/b\u003e is one of the world's leading writers on soccer. The winner of the William Hill Prize for sports book of the year in Britain, Kuper writes a weekly column for the \u003ci\u003eFinancial Times\u003c\/i\u003e. He lives in Paris, France.","brand":"Bold Type Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50681185829138,"sku":"9781568586335","price":16.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_cf0659a0-ab4b-4ae2-b8c8-5385f6029342.jpg?v=1733950146","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/soccer-against-the-enemy-how-the-worlds-most-popular-sport-starts-and-fuels-revolutions-and-keeps-dictators-in-power-9781568586335","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}