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What role do politics play in the selection process for Olympic host cities?

Farrah Marxsen

Politics plays a significant role in the selection process for Olympic host cities. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) evaluates potential host cities based on a variety of factors, such as infrastructure, transportation, accommodations, and funding. However, politics often play a crucial role in determining which candidate is selected.

One of the primary ways politics affects the selection process is through lobbying. Countries and cities invest significant resources to promote their bid, often relying on high-profile individuals or politicians to sway opinions within the IOC. In some cases, officials even engage in unethical practices, such as bribery or corruption, to secure the bid.

Moreover, politics and international diplomacy can also influence the selection process. The IOC often considers the political stability and relationship between countries when evaluating bids. For instance, tensions between North and South Korea played a role in the selection of Pyeongchang as the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Similarly, the strained relationship between Russia and the United States may have played a role in the decision to award the 2022 Winter Olympics to Beijing.

Politics can also impact the preparation process leading up to the Olympic Games. In some instances, political leaders use the Games as an opportunity to promote their agenda or showcase their country's strengths. For example, the Beijing Olympics in 2008 were used as a platform to boost national pride and demonstrate China's economic and technological progress.

Furthermore, politics and international relations can also impact the atmosphere of the Games themselves. National politics can spill over into the competitions, potentially leading to tensions or controversies. For example, the infamous 1972 Munich Olympics were marred by a terrorist attack on the Israeli team that was ultimately tied to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In some cases, boycotting the Games has been used as a political statement. The United States and Soviet Union famously boycotted each other's Olympics during the Cold War, and more recently, some countries have considered boycotting the Beijing Olympics in protest of China's human rights record.

In conclusion, politics play a significant role in the selection process and ultimately impact the Olympic Games in a multitude of ways. While the IOC strives to maintain neutrality, the political nature of the Olympics is undeniable. Hosting the Games is not just a matter of infrastructure and facilities; it is an opportunity for countries to showcase their strengths, promote their agendas, and build alliances on the international stage.