Civics 101
How Are Cities Chosen For The Olympics?
Jul 26, 2024
Jules Boykoff, professor of government and politics, discusses how cities are chosen for the Olympics. They explore the political dynamics, sustainability efforts, motivations for hosting, and the impact on weaker states. The episode also touches on athlete activism and the political implications of hosting the games.
44:24
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Quick takeaways
- The Olympics are heavily influenced by politics, from historical events to modern activism by athletes.
- Hosting the Olympics poses financial challenges for countries, with the IOC playing a powerful role in the decision-making process.
Deep dives
The Political History of the Olympics
The Olympics have a long history of being intertwined with politics. From Hitler using the 1936 Berlin Olympics to pave the way for his European invasion to the Cold War era where the Olympics became a battleground between the US and the Soviet Union, political influences have been prevalent. In 2014, the Olympics in Sochi, Russia, were marred by political tensions due to anti-LGBTQ laws. The Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in 2018 symbolized political cooperation as North and South Korea formed a united team.
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