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> Organising the Olympics hasn't been worth it for a long time Isn't that the entire point to show off a country's wealth: look how much money we can afford to
by ipsum2 5y ago
> Organising the Olympics hasn't been worth it for a long time
Isn't that the entire point to show off a country's wealth: look how much money we can afford to waste, because we're so well-off? That would explain why China has hosted Olympics twice in the last few years.
- MomoXenosaga 5y agoThe question isn't "do I have money to waste on this" (every Western country can find 30-50 billion if the need arises) the question is "is this a wise investment". That's what killed the Olympics for Amsterdam. If you can't prove something is going to make money Dutch people aren't going to do it. Investment implies a return or at least break even.
- labster 5y agoThat is a very Dutch point of view, and because of these values I’d guess the Netherlands will never host the Olympics. On the parent’s point, it’s not about a nation showing off wealth, it’s about showing off might. Wealth is one form of might, but so is spreading your culture, showing your ability to build colossal stadiums and public works, and of course the superiority of your disciplined physiques (imagine our athletes as soldiers!). Nation states exist largely in interstate anarchy, and displaying a nation’s might through the Olympics can increase its power and prestige in other international disputes.