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Economist Podcasts
In the big leagues now: Saudi Arabia’s push into sport
Aug 11, 2023
Miranda Mitra, International editor at The Economist, and Ana Lankes, Latin America correspondent, unpack Saudi Arabia's bold investments in global sports aimed at modernizing its image. They discuss how this surge in sports investments intersects with serious human rights criticisms. Shifting gears, Ana highlights Brazil's economic recovery under Lula's reforms, signaling renewed investor confidence. The conversation also touches on the evolution of drone warfare in Ukraine, showcasing how FPV drones are reshaping combat strategies.
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Quick takeaways
- Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in sports as a means to modernize and improve its global image, but critics argue it is a form of sports washing to distract from human rights concerns.
- Brazil's government reforms and favorable global factors have calmed investors, leading to increased predictions of GDP growth and optimism about Brazil's economic prospects.
Deep dives
Saudi Arabia's Sports Investments and the Debate of Sports Washing
Saudi Arabia has been investing billions of dollars in domestic and international sports as part of its efforts to diversify the economy and improve its global image. From soccer to golf to boxing, the country is making its mark in various sports. While some see these investments as a way to modernize and attract tourists and investors, others argue that it is a form of sports washing to distract from human rights concerns. The impact of these investments remains to be seen, but Saudi Arabia's ambitions in the sports world cannot be ignored.
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Discover
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