New Books Network Bruce Berglund, "The Moscow Playbook: How Russia Used, Abused, and Transformed Sports in the Hunt for Power" (Triumph Books, 2026)
Jan 10, 2026
Bruce Berglund, a historian and author specializing in Soviet and Russian sports history, discusses how sports have been leveraged as a political tool in Russia for over two decades. He explores Putin's strategies to foster nationalism through sports, the manipulation of Olympic scoring by Soviet officials, and the extensive corruption surrounding the Sochi 2014 Games. The conversation also covers the intricate relationship between sports and politics, revealing how doping scandals and sanctions reflect a broader narrative of power and legitimacy in Russia.
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State-Funded 'Amateurs' Beat Western Part-Timers
- The Soviet state built a professional athletic system while claiming amateurism to the IOC.
- That state-funded professionalism delivered rapid Olympic dominance by training and paying athletes year-round.
Romanov's Medal Math To Please The Politburo
- Nikolai Romanov manipulated Olympic scoring to declare Soviet victory in 1952.
- He used a points system favoring top-six finishes to report success to the Politburo despite fewer golds.
Two Tales Of The Miracle On Ice
- Former Soviet players blamed coaching and exhaustion for the 1980 loss, while Russian narratives often allege American doping.
- Players told Western media it was miscoaching, but Russian outlets claim the Americans were on drugs.
