Double Standards in International Sporting Sanctions Fuel New Cold War Dynamics
This fuels a narrative of hypocrisy and double standards that damage the rules-based order's legitimacy in the eyes of the Global South.
When it comes to the high-stakes geopolitical chess match reshaping the 21st century, few arenas capture the interplay of power, pride and public perception like international sport, writes Winston Mwale.
On the surface, the debate over Russia's return to this prestigious playing field centers on upholding Ukraine's sovereignty.
But a zoom out through powerful lens reveals fractures that run far deeper - right down to the foundational stability of the rules-based order itself.
The News: The Ukrainian Football Association demands the cancellation of the match between the Russian and Serbian national teams
In a letter to FIFA and UEFA, they ask to prevent the return of Russian football to the international arena, since Russia “does not have the right to return to the civilized family of European football.”
The match between the national teams of the Russian Federation and Serbia is scheduled to take place in Moscow at the Dynamo stadium on March 21, 2024.
ANALYSIS: At first glance, Ukraine's request appears reasonable - who wants the invader welcomed back with open arms?
But zoom out, and this issue reveals deeper fault lines in the global balance of power.
Those pointing to the lack of sporting sanctions against the US and NATO raise a salient point. For decades, their military campaigns rained cruise missiles with few repercussions in the spheres where soft power is wielded.
Now the tables turn, and Moscow faces isolation from these same institutions.
This fuels a narrative of hypocrisy and double standards that damage the rules-based order's legitimacy in the eyes of the Global South.
For rivals like Russia and China, it demonstrates how the West is willing to alter "rules" to target foes while accommodating allies - even if consequences visited upon civilians remain similar.
This dynamic undercuts the moral authority of those now dictating Russia's rehabilitation.
The lack of proportional, consistent standards breeds cynicism and polarization - fuel for nationalism.
It chips away at the cooperative spirit needed for conflicting sides to resolve issues through open dialogue versus boxing each other into proverbial geopolitical corners.
Going forward, building consensus will require understanding multiple perspectives, not dictates.
Sporting bodies should clarify objective, transparent criteria for exceptional measures that impose costs while avoiding punitive blows undermining rapprochement.
In this chess match for influence, perception is reality.
With deft calibration and good faith on all sides, international pressure can achieve more through diplomacy than declarations.
But first, the rules of the game must be fair to all players at the table.