Glasgow and Conflict

There are many reasons that two states may choose to go to war. In the interconnected world we live in today, the constant clashing of ideals, cultures, and religions has resulted in numerous conflicts between nation states and their people. While some conflicts occur because of security or power struggles between states, others can occur because of pressure form the citizens of these states. Often times, states are born out of a group developing their own identity. While some become formal, nation-states, others remain large groups of people with common interests looking to expand their identity and their culture. No part of Foer’s book exemplifies these groups and the struggles and conflicts between them better than when the author examines the Celtic and Ranger football teams in Glasgow, Scotland. While the two clubs and the fans that follow them may not be an actual state, the different interactions between both bases closely resembles that of rival states.

            Often times, the people of a state become unruly and need a distraction. If they are not provided an outlet for their pent up anger, they could lash out at their own government. This situation is when we see the leaders of the state start an international conflict, in order to take away from their own domestic woes. This “waving of the flag” can be seen in countries such as China, where nervous leaders often feel they must flex their country’s international muscle in order to please its people. In Foer’s book, the football clubs are no different. Foer explains how the stadiums will often play songs that rally the fans against the opposing team in order to drum up some life from the spectators—especially if the home team is not doing well.

            In addition to internal pressures, some states, both historically and even today, will fight based on religious or idealistic differences. There have been countless wars, some which are arguably still ongoing, which were started because of the zealous religious beliefs of two groups that were located relatively close to each other. The reason these religious states go to war is because one feels that in order to ensure the security and long term survival of their beliefs, they must get rid of or gain more power over another religious state. Such conflict is obviously seen as Foer recounts his experiences in Glasgow on game day. Countless fans, historically fueled by a religious feud, clash in frequent and often violent disputes over which team is better and who has bragging rights over the area. Often times, members of the rival faction feel threatened by the “encroachment” of the other side on their territory. The same is true for religious groups and states in general. Close proximity to those with different ideas threatens security that poses greater risk for conflicts.

            While all sports teams have their rivalries, it is not often that one explains international conflict as well as that which is examined by Foer. Having family who live in Glasgow, Foer paints a somewhat accurate picture of what this rivalry entails. It is interesting, but perhaps obvious to make the connection between one of the world’s most popular sports and the world itself when it comes from conflict. With so many “states”, ideas, traditions, and cultures, it is perhaps one of the best case studies for international relations.