A recent study from the University of Hamburg has challenged the long-held assumption that hosting major sporting events, such as the Olympic Games, leads to improvements in democracy or human rights within host nations. The research, encompassing data from over 100 countries between 1972 and 2019, found no discernible impact – neither positive nor negative – on the democratization process.
The investigation utilized a range of democracy indicators, including the “V-Dem democracy index” which assesses factors such as political participation and individual rights. Researchers also accounted for influential variables like educational equality, economic strength and regional political dynamics. Notably, these assessments revealed no significant effects even within countries classified as autocratic.
The findings are likely to influence the ongoing debate regarding Olympic bids in Germany, particularly as they cast doubt on the commonly used argument that awarding the Games to countries with less established democratic structures can generate a positive political impact. According to study author Wolfgang Maennig, this line of reasoning – that hosting can positively influence political development – appears unsustainable.
The comprehensive study is scheduled for publication in the forthcoming edition of the academic journal “Economic Analysis and Policy”.