As Russia’s world-class athletes, culture, and economic development will be showcased at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, its political direction and an array of unresolved issues will be exposed. No doubt, some foreign countries and NGOs are already trying to capitalize on the globalized nature of the Olympic Games to urge the Kremlin to come to terms with troublesome topics, from the Russian occupation of Georgian territories to LGBT rights and the scandal surrounding asylum-seeker Edward Snowden. What patterns have emerged in the Kremlin’s responses to major issues and challenges? How will the Kremlin handle increasing domestic pressure and global scrutiny as the Games come closer? […]
Managing the Threat of an Olympics Boycott: International Pressure and Russia’s Response
PONARS Eurasia Policy Memo No. 290
By Sufian Zhemukhov
