The Intelligence from The Economist Skin in the Games: Beijing’s nervy Olympics
Feb 4, 2022
David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief at The Economist, shares insights on the tense atmosphere surrounding the Beijing Winter Olympics, focusing on stark COVID restrictions and the curated experience of attendees. Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent, sheds light on the horrific treatment of migrants by Libya's coast guard, exposing the EU's troubling role in this humanitarian crisis. Both guests discuss the shifting landscape of gun ownership in America, reflecting a growing diversity among gun rights advocates.
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Beijing Olympics Access
- David Rennie, in Beijing for the Olympics, describes the intense security and COVID checks.
- He notes the unusual ticket allocation, primarily given to state-approved groups and individuals.
Subdued Public Mood
- Public excitement for the Olympics is muted due to COVID anxieties and the relative unpopularity of winter sports in China.
- The propaganda push is less intense than for past major events, indicating underlying concerns.
Diplomatic Divides
- The Olympics highlight a divided world, with primarily non-democratic countries attending.
- China views the diplomatic boycott by some Western nations as further evidence of a biased Anglo-Saxon world order.