When it’s more than a game
In the wake of the Iran’s soccer team wearing opposition armbands in a match this week, Judah Grunstein at World Politics Review has a list of his “admittedly U.S.-centric” top 5 international sports events with political significance. His explanations are worth reading, but here’s the bare list: U.S. vs. USSR, 1980 Olympic hockey. Hungary vs. ...
In the wake of the Iran's soccer team wearing opposition armbands in a match this week, Judah Grunstein at World Politics Review has a list of his "admittedly U.S.-centric" top 5 international sports events with political significance. His explanations are worth reading, but here's the bare list:
In the wake of the Iran’s soccer team wearing opposition armbands in a match this week, Judah Grunstein at World Politics Review has a list of his “admittedly U.S.-centric” top 5 international sports events with political significance. His explanations are worth reading, but here’s the bare list:
U.S. vs. USSR, 1980 Olympic hockey.
Hungary vs. USSR, 1956 Olympic water polo.
Jesse Owens vs. Adolph Hitler, 1936 Olympics.
Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling, 1936 and 1938 World Heavyweight boxing title.
U.S.-USSR, 1972 Olympic basketball.
Can you think of any others you would add?
Getty Images
More from Foreign Policy
A New Multilateralism
How the United States can rejuvenate the global institutions it created.
America Prepares for a Pacific War With China It Doesn’t Want
Embedded with U.S. forces in the Pacific, I saw the dilemmas of deterrence firsthand.
The Endless Frustration of Chinese Diplomacy
Beijing’s representatives are always scared they could be the next to vanish.
The End of America’s Middle East
The region’s four major countries have all forfeited Washington’s trust.
Sign up for World Brief
FP’s flagship evening newsletter guiding you through the most important world stories of the day. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.