It made Russia look powerful and resurgent to the outside world, which attracts other nations into their sphere of influence. It also is a distraction from rights abuses and political retaliation. Here’s an article about Saudi Arabia’s use of sports washing.
It made Russia look powerful and resurgent to the outside world, which attracts other nations into their sphere of influence. It also is a distraction from rights abuses and political retaliation. Here’s an article about Saudi Arabia’s use of sports washing.
https://www.france24.com/en/20200102-saudi-uses-sports-soft-power-as-lever-of-influence
That influence is diminished when the whole world is reminded repeatedly that your athletes cannot compete under your flag.