Jan Jurič, Boštjan Rogelj
DOI: 10.35666/23038950.2024.50.09
UDC: 911.3[32:796](477:470+571)
Abstract: Geopolitics, sports and Russian-Ukrainian war
Critical geography of sports underscores the intricate relationship between sport and politics, challenging the notion that sport is an apolitical activity. Sports contribute actively to shaping of the political production of space and are frequently leveraged for political purposes. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, where severe sanctions have been imposed on Russia and Belarus. This study draws on a comprehensive review of academic literature, media reports and online sources, aiming to shed light on the complex interplay between sport and geopolitics in the case of Russian-Ukrainian war. The study identifies five of the most commonly implemented sanctions, providing a chronological overview of their enforcement. Additionally, it examines the key drivers behind these rigorous measures, with a particular focus on the unique role of sports in contemporary Russia. Our analysis confirms that one of the principal factors underpinning these extensive sanctions is Russian President Vladimir Putin's deep affinity for sports and his use of it as a political tool throughout his leadership. The sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus in response to the war in Ukraine has further reinforced the premise that the notion of sports as politically neutral is a myth, revealing the deep-seated interconnection between sports and politics.
Keywords
geopolitics, sport geography, Russia, Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Vladimir Putin
GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW - SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL FOR GEOGRAPHY No 50, Year 2024. pg. 9-28