Lighting a New Torch: An Analysis of Olympic Games Host Selection and Its Potential Implications for Human Rights

Abstract

International recognition bestows many advantages on countries. When it comes to international sporting events, for example, scholars have found that host nations are more likely to “win.” Winning in turn may generate domestic legitimacy and successfully competing in international events may generate international legitimacy. What factors does the International Olympic Committee (IOC) consider when selecting a host nation? Why do emerging powers seek hosting bids, which impose financial burdens and force rapid and immense expenditure in the course of five to seven years. This thesis takes a quantitative approach to investigating the determinants of which countries get shortlisted in the competition to host the Olympics, which countries come out triumphant, and the overall effects of hosting. I find that the most important factor in host selection is the size of a country’s economy, although evidence further suggests that stronger records on human rights also play a role. Surprisingly, however, the IOC sometimes selects countries with poor records. In terms of the effects of hosting, the thesis takes a qualitative approach and finds that while host countries may see short term benefits from economic boosts and urban transformation, the most prominent impact of hosting the Games is signaling strength, modernity, and national pride to an international audience. The results of this research have policy implications for leveraging host selection as a catalyst for improved governance and human rights. The IOC should look to strengthen its commitment to human rights and human dignity by rewarding countries with positive human rights records with the Olympic Games. While commendable that illiberal regimes are less likely to win selection, they do not even deserve consideration.