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3. Should states care about the performance of their national team at a global sporting competition?

Countries should care how their teams perform at global sporting competitions. I believe sport competitions on a personal level can show leadership and teamwork but on a global level it could show a country’s dominance or unification. A sense of nationalism comes out of winning at the Olympics or other worldwide competitions. Winning numerous medals at the Olympics can send an indirect message of dominance. As in the Olympics during the Cold War Russia and USA fought indirectly through sports. Winning brings the sense of unity. A nation can come together to cheer on their players. In a time of struggle a win could strengthen the ties of the nation to better it.

Some people may believe that sporting events at the global level should keep the politics of the countries off the field. This is extremely hard to accomplish because when ever two different countries meet whether it is on or off the field politics will surface. Sports are an indirect way for countries to succeed in claiming dominance or uniting their nation.

-Natalie Nishi