Olympism, cosmopolitanism, nationalism: the many face(t)s of the Olympics

Abstract

ABSTRACT ‘Unity in Diversity’ – this motto of the 2021 Games in Tokyo nicely expresses the tension between universalism and particularism that besets not only the Olympic Games, but almost every aspect of international politics today. Treating the Olympics as a microcosm, this article explores whether the Games are able to overcome that tension. It is argued that their specific symbols, rituals and myths have been hijacked by nationalist ones, to which the International Olympic Committee responded by advancing cosmopolitan ones, as a result of which the Games are effectively contested from both ends of the universalist–particularist spectrum. While this disqualifies Olympism to serve as a viable middle ground and facilitator of peace, the Games may still act as a substitute for war by directing our constant struggle for national identity into peaceful channels. The nationalist penetration of the Games should therefore not be resented but welcomed for the sake of peace.