Kosovo is a full member of the IOC. So what?

What links sport, nation-building and international diplomacy? In the Balkans, sport has often been (mis)used as a nation branding tool. The recent recognition of Kosovo by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is a further occasion to reflect. “Although it remains to be seen how FIFA and UEFA will react to the IOC decision, the inclusion in the ‘Olympic family’ represents a symbolic victory for Kosovar international diplomacy on its way to full UN membership”, writes Dario Brentin.