The 2022 Olympics begin this week under the shadow of COVID and Beijing's flagrant abuses of human rights. Under ruler-for-life Xi Jinping, who took power in 2012, China has made a sharp turn into unapologetic authoritarianism, with no dissent or forbidden ideas permitted. So why are the 2022 Olympics being held here?
volunteers wave flags during a medal ceremony on February 7
Marco Bertorello/AFP/Getty Images
China was originally one of many contenders to host the 2022 Games, but Poland, Ukraine, and Sweden dropped out because of domestic opposition. Norway's bid collapsed over public outrage at the International Olympic Committee's demands for luxury treatment, such as special lanes on all roads for IOC members.
China and Kazakhstan wound up as the only two bidders left. The IOC's selection process now has a built-in bias for autocracies willing to pamper IOC members and build expensive venues - without inconveniences such as democratic approval.
China's brutal persecution of its citizenry and dismal human rights record has led to widespread comparisons between these Games and the 1936 Berlin Olympics and 1980 Moscow Olympics, both of which sparked global controversy and boycotts.
Russian speedskater Elena Sokhryakova skates past medical personnel
as she warms up for the 1,500-meter race on February 7 - Ashley Landis/AP
The IOC itself has been under scrutiny and protest for many failings and dodgy dealings - an expensive waste of vital resources when global economies are already so crippled. Maybe the time is right to do away with the Olympics altogether.
Despite its human rights abuses and Orwellian surveillance of its citizens, China has emerged as a global economic power. Confident and emboldened by his country's economic and military might, Xi does not seem to care that the West disapproves of China's policies.
Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva competes in the team event
on Monday, February 7. She became the first female skater to ever land
a quadruple jump at the Olympics. Phil Noble/Reuters
"If anything, there's a lot less pressure than 2008. The Chinese government knows full well that its global economic upper hand allows it to do whatever it wishes." ~ Amanda Shuman, a China researcher at the University of Freiburg
In the meantime, wonder | wander | world is in awe and applauds all contending athletes of the Olympics. May their sacrifice and awards remind us of all the best humanity has to offer.
researcher at the University of Freibur
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