Sports, war, and ideological imperialism

Abstract

The so‐called “American” century is about to close. Despite the ethnocentric terminology, one cannot deny the power and influence the U.S. has wielded over the last 100 years. That hegemony has been achieved largely through military victories but also less overtly and perhaps more effectively through ideological conquest. Capitalism and American popular culture intrude pervasively around the globe, and Michael Jordan has become the earth's most recognizable figure. Since an alternative, oppositional ideology, communism, also existed for much of this century, how did capitalism prevail?