The Olympic Games, a global celebration of sport and humanity, also embody ideals of international peace and collaboration. They provide a space for intercultural dialogue, where nations can come together around shared values, beyond their political and cultural differences. Our now-graduated apprentice Aline Mairhofer prepared a display for this occasion in the entrance of the Library.
The Games’ slogan, “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (“Faster, Higher, Stronger”), recently enriched by “Communiter” (“Together”), shows the importance of unity and collaboration in the face of global challenges. It is about building bridges and alliances, exchanging ideas and practices, thereby contributing to peace and international understanding. Numerous historical examples testify to the potential of the Games to promote peace. The 1972 Munich Games, tragically marked by a terrorist attack, paradoxically strengthened the global resolve to promote peace through sport. On the other hand, the 1988 Games in South Korea marked a turning point with the participation of North Korea, symbolizing a gesture of openness and unity between the two Koreas.
However, despite these successes, the Olympic Games face contemporary challenges that threaten their role as a tool for peace and collaboration. One example is the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, which were marked by a boycott orchestrated by the United States and supported by several other nations. Against the backdrop of the Cold War, this boycott led to the absence of over 60 countries, and sparked major debates on the impact of sport on international relations. In response, 4 years later, the USSR and its allies boycotted the Los Angeles Olympic Games. These two editions highlighted the devastating impact of boycotts on Olympic solidarity and its peaceful aspirations. They highlighted the complex link between sport and politics, having a lasting impact on how future Games would be perceived and organized.
In recent years, the question of the exclusion of certain nations, such as Russia or Israel, from the Olympic Games has become a new debate that confronts sporting values and political issues. This situation creates a dilemma: on the one hand, exclusion expresses disapproval of behavior deemed unacceptable; on the other, it deprives athletes who are often not involved in these decisions of the opportunity to compete and shine on the international stage. Thus, the issue of the exclusion of nations raises the question of the responsibility of sporting bodies in the face of global socio-political challenges, and of how sport can truly serve as a bridge between cultures, rather than accentuating divisions.
Another mirror of the international geopolitical situation, the presence of the refugee team at the Olympic Games is a powerful symbol, embodying values of solidarity, hope and resilience. This team, made up of athletes forced to flee their home countries due to conflict or persecution, illustrates the capacity of the human spirit to overcome adversity. Their participation highlights the crucial issues surrounding the refugee crisis on a global scale, raising public awareness of the realities experienced by millions of people. More than just a competition, the Olympic Games thus become a platform for tackling major societal issues and promoting inclusion on an international scale.
Geopolitical tensions, boycotts and human rights issues, to name but a few, require constant attention. The response of sports organizations and the IOC to these challenges will be crucial to the future of Olympism.
Beyond the selection on display, you will find more titles dealing with sport and Olympism under call number 796.
Geneva Graduate Institute Library Blog 