Sport and Official Nationalism in Modern Russia. Issue 2 (4th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arnold, Richard
• Is Part Of: Problems of post-communism. Volume 65:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 129
• Page End: 141
• Publication Date: 2018-03-04
• Subjects: Post-communism -- Periodicals; Post-communism; Periodicals; 330.91717
• DOI: 10.1080/10758216.2018.1425093
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1075-8216

Abstract

Abstract : How can one explain the recent fascination with sport as a tool of government policy in Russia? This paper argues that sports policy in Russia is an essential part of policies to encourage nationalism and one which borrows heavily from the Soviet past. Based on the analysis of meeting transcripts available on the Kremlin website and other materials, this paper argues that there are five key mechanisms by which the Kremlin uses the Soviet sport legacy to promote nationalism. This use of sport has implications for the popular reception of Putin's regime.