Björn Wiman: The Next Olympics Could Be Held in a Country Where Fascism Has Taken Over
Björn Wiman reflects on the disturbing parallels between armed squads in the US and the rise of fascism in 1920s Italy, suggesting that such political forces are also present in the context of the Olympics.
In his article, Björn Wiman draws alarming parallels between the current climate of armed squads on the streets of the US and the political upheaval in Italy during the 1920s, particularly during the rise of fascism. He argues that these troubling developments raise concerns about the potential hosting of the Olympics in nations where authoritarian ideologies are gaining strength. Wiman emphasizes how historical patterns tend to repeat, especially in significant global events like the Olympics, which have often been used for political agendas.
Wiman critiques the state of the Winter Olympics in relation to climate change and the diminishing winter culture in the Alps. He notes the contrast between past Olympic events, such as the ice skating competitions held on the frozen Lago di Misurina in 1956, and the current challenges of climate change that impact winter sports cultures. The author reflects on the absence of natural snow in the Dolomites, symbolizing a broader environmental degradation that threatens not just the Olympics but also local communities that depend on winter sports and tourism.
Moreover, Wiman's commentary suggests a worrying trend where socio-political conditions may influence the selection of future host countries for the Olympics. He cautions against the normalization of extreme political currents, drawing attention to the fact that the Olympics are not only a celebration of sport but also a reflection of our global societal values, which are increasingly under threat from rising authoritarianism and climate-related challenges.