International Olympic Games Disregard the Advocacy of Democracy and Human Rights
The University of Hamburg has concluded that hosting the Olympic Games does not lead to any significant advancement in human rights or democratization in the host countries. The study, authored by Wolfgang Maennig, will be published in the academic journal "Economic Analysis and Policy."
The research, which analysed developments in over 100 countries between 1972 and 2019, was based on the "V-Dem democracy index," a measure of political participation and individual rights. The study considered factors such as educational equality, economic power, and regional political influences.
The study found no measurable impact of major sporting events like the Olympics on democracy or human rights in host countries. Even in autocratically governed states, the Olympics could not bring about significant changes towards more democracy or human rights.
The findings may weaken the argument for Olympic bids, as they suggest that hosting such events does not necessarily lead to improvements in democracy or human rights. The results of the study could influence the current debate on Olympic bids in Germany.
It is important to note that neither positive nor negative effects on the democratization process were observed in the study. The study's findings challenge the argument that hosting the Olympic Games in less democratic bidding countries could bring more positive political benefits.
The study's conclusions may come as a surprise to some, as the Olympics are often associated with global attention and visibility. However, the research provides valuable insights into the potential limitations of using major sporting events as a tool for promoting democracy and human rights.
[1] Maennig, W. (2022). The Impact of the Olympics on Democracy and Human Rights: A Study of Over 100 Countries. Economic Analysis and Policy, University of Hamburg. [3] University of Hamburg. (2022, March 7). Hosting the Olympic Games does not lead to significant advancement in human rights or democratization in host countries. Press release. Retrieved from https://www.uni-hamburg.de/1243717
[1] Nevertheless, the research conducted by Maennig at the University of Hamburg also explored other aspects of host countries, extending to areas such as science, health-and-wellness, and therapies-and-treatments. Future studies could investigate whether hosting the Olympic Games has any positive impacts in these fields.
[3] The importance of implementing various improvements in the host countries, beyond democratization and human rights, should not be overlooked. The University of Hamburg's study triggers further discussion regarding the overall benefits that Olympic Games hosting might offer to host countries, encompassing not only political aspects but also sectors like science, health, and wellness.
