The Wide World of Sportswashing
The 2022 World Cup has just kicked off in Qatar. Long before the first match, the small Arab monarchy made a bet that investing billions in the “beautiful game” might do wonders for their reputation, too. Qatar has plowed money into buying foreign football clubs, building ultramodern facilities, and bringing the sport’s premier global tournament to the Arabian Gulf. In a new JoD online exclusive, Sarath K. Ganji explains how Qatar became a world leader in sportswashing.
For timely analysis of today’s events and what they mean for democracy across the globe, read the latest from the JoD Online. Following is a selection of recent coverage.
Why Sanctions Don’t Work Against Dictatorships
From Putin’s invasion to Kim’s nuclear saber rattling, the West has punished the world’s worst regimes. But have sanctions missed their targets?
By Agathe DemaraisFor Xi Jinping, the Economy Is No Longer the Priority
Beijing’s focus for decades was on strong and steady economic growth. But China’s leader has put an end to that era. For Xi, it’s only about power—at home and abroad.
Guoguong WuWhy TikTok Is a Threat to Democracy
The popular Chinese-owned app is enabling Beijing to collect data on people nearly everywhere, giving the Chinese government control over a powerful tool for shaping people’s worldview.
Aynne KokasDemocracy’s Frontline Defenders
Across the globe, the people who run our elections are being undermined, targeted, and attacked. Here is how to shore them up—and protect democratic institutions, too.
Fernanda Buril and Erica SheinWhy Women Are Leading the Fight in Iran
Iranian women were the Islamic Republic’s first target for repression. Today’s protests are the newest chapter in women’s struggle to win back their rights.
Ladan BoroumandPutin’s Big Gamble
The Kremlin’s September order calling up Russians to fight in Ukraine was the riskiest decision of Putin’s rule, and it could lead to his undoing.
Robert PersonWhy Ukraine’s Millions of Displaced People Will Define Its Future
Most displaced Ukrainians are Russian speakers from the east who in the past may have harbored sympathies for Moscow. They could form the bedrock of a free and open Ukrainian society.
Danilo Mandić
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