The year 1936 has gone down in European history as the year of the Berlin Olympics under Nazi Germany. Three years before the outbreak of the Second World War, these Olympic Games were seen by Hitler as a propaganda tool to send a strong message to the world: Aryans are superior athletes. This belief was rooted in the eugenics theory that racial superiority could be explained by genetics. Of course, eugenics is at the heart of Nazi ideology and these Olympic Games of the past were the ideal opportunity to prove the hegemony of Aryan athletes; and thus defend the relevance of this ideology. However, African American athletes enjoyed enormous success in 1936, in particular Jesse Owens, famous for being the first African-American athlete to win four gold medals at the same Olympic Games. His success also left its mark on history, as Adolf Hitler refused to acknowledge Owens’ victories or shake his hand. Indeed, this famous episode, experienced as a humiliation by Hitler, underlines a major theme in sports and politics: the instrumentalization of sports by authoritarian regimes.

 But why is this so important today? Sports have been, and still are, an important form of soft power used by authoritarian and democratic rulers all over the world. In this article, I will attempt to analyze the limits and dangers of the instrumentalization of sports by authoritarian states and propose a broader description of sports as an effective geopolitical weapon for democratic states.

What does “Authoritarianism” really mean ?

Authoritarianism is a vague concept to a lot of folks. Its true meaning is poorly understood, yet roughly 40% of the world’s countries are ruled by an authoritarian leader. Simply put, authoritarianism is a political system whose main objective is to maintain the power of the ruler, come what may. regimes ignore the rule of law and democratic principles and their mandate does not depend on the consent of the people. To stay in power, authoritarian leaders use a range of strategies, from violent coercion to propaganda. Sports are a soft power tool used by authoritarian rulers to convey an ideology. But is this method effective? ? 

Firstly, sports bring people together and help build a nation. Secondly, it promotes the state’s official ideology and reinforces authoritarian narratives of national greatness. These characteristics are particularly true of totalitarian states such as Nazi Germany or present-day North Korea, whose ultimate goal is to create a utopia. In this sense, sports can be a vehicle for the state sponsored ideology. Nevertheless, sport is not always used as a means of conveying an ideology, and many authoritarian states see it simply as an effective weapon, an extension of the state’s political and economic power.

Sport and Authoritarianism: Dangers and Limits? 

These days, sports are primarily a revenue platform for authoritarian states. Several Middle Eastern countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, are increasingly financially involved in all kinds of sports, particularly soccer and Formula 1. In 2024, sports are attracting considerable attention and have become a global phenomenon that appeals to more and more people. The amount of money invested in and the revenues generated by the sports market are increasing rapidly, with an expected growth in revenues of over 60% by 2028. However, as sports revenues rise, so does the economic cost of hosting sporting events. 

A common trend has been observed over the past decade: unstable democracies and authoritarian states are increasingly hosting major sporting events. These states are often oil-rich countries such as Qatar, Bahrain or Saudi Arabia. As explained previously, these states use sports to convey broader political messages and achieve popular cohesion. Unfortunately, staging major events such as Formula 1 races, the World Cup or boxing matches, is financially draining and does not always benefit the economy as a whole. In fact, in many cases financing global sporting events ends up creating a greater financial burden for the population. For example, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar cost 220 billion American dollars, a huge sum that will take decades to repay, and has contributed to  the financial disparities within the country.

The protection of human rights is another major concern when it comes to authoritarian regimes hosting sporting events. In fact, most authoritarian countries lack the appropriate infrastructure and facilities to host sporting events, so they usually build these infrastructures from scratch, specifically for the events in question. Construction is often very intensive and these regimes do not hesitate to violate international laws. Most recently, Qatar, which hosted the 2022 World Cup, was targeted by numerous international organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Right Watch over the abuses committed against migrant workers and the hundreds of workers injured during the construction of half a dozen brand-new stadiums in the space of just a few years. The Qatari government has denied most of the allegations. Therefore, Qatar’s problematic situation has given rise to a real debate on the legitimacy of authoritarian regimes hosting such sporting events. 

But Why should Democratic States Care?

Colossal amounts of money are involved in hosting major sporting events, often creating significant conflicts of interest. Despite the mobilization of athletes and humanitarian organizations to denounce the abuses of host countries, democratic states have often turned a blind eye to the issue of sports in authoritarian countries. Recently, the situation has changed somewhat with the resumption of war in Ukraine. The Russian invasion of Ukraine represents the biggest ground war in Europe since  World War II. In this context, sports represents one of the many points of tension in the conflict. Sport became a veritable soft power weapon, helping to raise Russia’s profile. 

Since 2022, many Russian athletes have been denied the right to take part in sporting competitions, with the aim of penalizing Russian “soft power” and sending a strong message of support for Ukraine. One of the first victims was tennis player Danil Medvedev, who was unable to take part in a number of major tennis tournaments, including Wimbledon 2023. Despite being ranked No. 2 in the world, Medvedev and his fellow Russians and Belarusians were banned from that year’s Wimbledon. Similarly, the Russian and Belarusian delegations were banned from taking part in the 2024 Paris Olympics, a heavy sanction seen as a humiliation by both countries. Nevertheless, sports seem to be increasingly used by many as a way to condemn injustice and punish acts of impunity. For instance, Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has repeatedly spoken out to call out Formula 1’s involvement with authoritarian and repressive regimes such as Saudi Arabia, which fail to respect human rights.

With all that said, the financial and ideological stakes of sports make it a powerful weapon for sanctioning authoritarian states and defending liberal democratic ideals, notably the protection of human rights and freedom of expression. The current state of Putin’s war in Ukraine transcends any concept of human justice and in this context, the instrumentalization of sports to attack Russia’s image and soft power seems more than appropriate. While the intersection between sports and geopolitics is not intuitive, it is essential to understanding complex power dynamics. As guardians of democratic values, it is imperative that democratic states reclaim sports as a platform to oppose oppression, foster international solidarity and lead a global commitment to justice and human dignity.

Is there such a thing as the Grinch but for Valentine’s Day? I think I can speak for lots of singles who are tired of the constant barrage of Valentine’s Day marketing and the general pressure of finding the “right” plans. Even if you’re perfectly content in your single status, Valentine’s Day can trigger complex feelings and be a reminder of societal expectations. Almost 50% of adults in America are single, so you are not alone. If you’re in this boat, this guide is for you! Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be stressful or a day that you have to miss out on. Here are some ways to celebrate this year:

1. Galentine’s celebration

Galentine’s Day is a celebration of friendship that can take place on Valentine’s Day or any time of the year! There are so many fun ideas for hosting a Galentine’s party, such as getting crafty with DIY projects, eating themed snacks like heart-shaped pizzas, or hosting a romcom movie night. Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating platonic love and the people that are important in your life, which is a unique kind of love that fulfills many needs that romantic love cannot.

2. Self-care night

If you’re going solo on Valentine’s Day, you might as well make a night of it! Get your favorite takeout, turn on a movie of your choice and indulge in a sweet treat of your choice. If you’re of age, maybe have a glass of wine — or two. Put on a face mask and enjoy your own company. There’s no shame in having a night in for yourself and prioritizing your self-care. On a more serious note, it’s important to take care of your mental health when practicing self-care. If you are working through difficult emotions, there are campus resources that can help you work through your experiences.

3. Treat yourself 

Going hand-in-hand with the theme of self-care, treat yourself to something that you would want a hypothetical partner to do for you. If you love flowers, go buy yourself flowers! Or you could even take yourself out to a nice dinner at your favorite restaurant. Maybe you want to see the new romcom movie, “Anyone But You,” but haven’t had the time. Valentine’s Day could be the perfect opportunity. It might sound a bit silly, but treating yourself is an act of self-love and doesn’t require another person.

4. Hit the town

On the other hand, if you’d rather spend Valentine’s Day out and not at home, that’s perfectly understandable. Go to a fun dinner, event, or bar with your single friends to make a night of it. Maybe you’ll find your Valentine after all if that’s what you are looking for, or you could play matchmaker for your friends. 

5. Hit the gym or take a fitness class

If you’re like me, sometimes having a good sweat session can be therapeutic. If Valentine’s Day has got you in the dumps, hit the gym and have a good workout to distract yourself. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to try pilates or kickboxing. This could be an opportunity to try a new challenge. Getting in a good workout will raise your endorphins and make your day better knowing you are working on becoming a better version of yourself. 

6. Spend time with family

If your family members or loved ones are welcoming to the idea, you could crash their Valentine’s Day plans. Maybe go out to brunch or lunch with your family to surround yourself with your people to celebrate this day that’s devoted to love. Spending time with family or loved ones can be a good reminder that you have people in your life who love you unconditionally, regardless of what period of life you’re in.

7. Do something kind for someone else

Gratitude and good deeds definitely lift spirits. They can help remove us from negative thought patterns and remind us of the most important things in our lives. Even showing a small act of kindness to a friend or acquaintance who may be going through a hard time can help brighten both of your days. If you’re interested, you could spend Valentine’s Day volunteering and giving back to your community.

Regardless of how you decide to spend Valentine’s Day, have fun with it and do something that will bring you joy. There’s no reason to forgo celebrations if you don’t have a partner.  Own it and celebrate in your own way!

If your TikTok “For You” page is anything like mine, chances are you have seen plenty of TikTokers complaining about preteens at their local beauty store. These “Sephora kids” have taken to popular brands like Drunk Elephant, a company known for their (rather expensive) skincare products. These children have been accused of making a mess, disrupting other customers and creating dangerous skincare “smoothies.” But how much of this is kids just being kids? Who should we point the finger at: Gen-Alpha, their parents or society as a whole? For the first time, we are forced to consider who should be using skincare and how. 

Many TikTokers have turned the blame onto the parents. However, while parenting is definitely a huge factor in kids’ behavior, this seems to be indicative of a larger problem. It’s no surprise that society has often made young girls and women feel somehow lesser than, a trend which has only been made worse with the rise of social media. But 10-year-olds buying anti-aging products seems to be a new low. The reality is that kids nowadays have access to the world much earlier than any generation before them. With this freedom comes the pressure to fit in, which means they feel the need to have the newest products, amazing skin and the perfect skincare routine. 

Not only is this societal pressure bad for young kids’ self-esteem, but dermatologists are warning it is also bad for their skin. Dr. Brooke Jeffy discussed an 11-year-old patient who experienced a pronounced rash around her eyes due to retinol, an anti-aging ingredient. “This rash had been going on for so long and was so intense, it’s probably going to take at least a month, if not more, to totally resolve,” Jeffy says. “All for trying to use an anti-aging product that she doesn’t need.”

Jeffy and other dermatologists have shown us that using these products is not harmless fun, it is detrimental to their health. 

It’s not new for kids to want the hottest product. It’s not new for kids to want to be like the older teens and adults they see, but this has been taken to a whole new level. Some online users have defended the pre-teens, arguing that skin care is a practice of self-love, something we should be encouraging. Skincare routines can be a wonderful way to take a few moments for yourself and feel refreshed and ready for the day. However, it’s important that the products we use are appropriate for our skin and that our desire to use them comes from a place of self-love. For both the “Sephora kids” and the adults reading this, skincare should not be about the newest product. Make skin care an act of self love by focusing on spending a few minutes with yourself, keeping your skin healthy and clean, and becoming the best version of yourself, not copying an influencer or celebrity.

Let’s talk about environmental sustainability. First, what does it mean? You have probably heard “reduce, reuse, and recycle,” but while this common phrase lists three essential steps every person should take to help save the environment, sustainability is so much more.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines sustainability as “the ability to meet the needs of the present without affecting the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Except for when absolutely necessary, we must eliminate our use of non-replenishable resources to prevent further irreparable damage to the environment. For almost everyone, limiting resources will require a drastic and daunting change in lifestyle.

Even those passionate about sustainable living, like me, feel hopeless and overwhelmed when facing this task. Other reasons that can keep people from practicing sustainability are being comfortable in their current lifestyle, the seemingly more expensive price tags, and not knowing where to start.

Despite any obstacles, everyone can and must become more environmentally sustainable. The best way is just to jump in. Of course, transitioning to a new lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight; you have to focus on one change at a time. Otherwise, you will likely find yourself burnt out and making no progress at all. You also must be patient with yourself throughout this transition. Research suggests that it takes no less than 18 but an average of 60 days for a person to form a new habit. In the long run, this is a very short time frame; that’s an average of 6 new habits every year!

It is important to remember that you will make mistakes throughout this process, but it is never a reason to give up. When you choose to be sustainable, you make a difference in the world. Being more sustainable takes work but can be simple and rewarding. The changes I suggest are inexpensive and realistic for people with tight schedules and tighter budgets. In fact, many of my suggestions will save you time and money in the long run. Most importantly, you will conserve natural resources, prevent pollution, improve health worldwide and minimize future environmental destruction.

#1. Reduce your carbon footprint

According to the EPA, a person’s carbon footprint is “The total amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted into the atmosphere each year by a person.” Global warming is closely related to the carbon footprint as it releases these greenhouse gases that cause heat to be trapped in the Earth’s atmosphere.

As carbon emissions vary per person depending on daily and yearly routines, it can be valuable to learn how much you can improve by estimating your current footprint. Wren’s carbon footprint calculator is a great way to estimate your greenhouse emissions for free without any commitment when you answer simple questions about gasoline usage, meat consumption and more.

After taking their quiz, the report you receive from Wren gives you a numerical value describing your carbon footprint, compares you to averages around the world and puts it into context with statements like “[Your carbon footprint is] equal to 3 trees being cut down.” It also describes how fast the world’s temperature would rise if everyone’s footprint matched yours and relates that to “our current trajectory.”

Arguably the most important information in the report is a bar graph describing which emission categories you most need to improve. Using this graph, you can select a category to improve and research ways to decrease your associated emissions. For example, I am reducing my footprint by focusing on fuel consumption. Actions I am taking include moving closer to campus, walking when I might have previously chosen to drive, and carpooling when the option is available. Another idea is to eat vegan at least once or twice a week.

#2. Change your shopping habits

When shopping online, it is important to be careful to order from stores that offset their carbon emissions from shipping products. Many popular stores, like Amazon, have signed a Climate Pledge but have not yet made any substantial changes. Although a store may claim to be sustainable, it may not always be accurate and it is important to do your own research.

Another way to shop sustainably is to find stores that primarily sell environmentally sustainable products. Stores like Earth Hero, EcoRoots and Etee are all great places to start.

Clothing shops are another easy way to be more sustainable. An easy rule to remember is that if you are buying new clothes that are surprisingly cheap, it is likely too good to be true. These clothes are probably fast fashion items: made from weak materials meant to be worn only once or twice and were likely made using environmentally and socially unethical methods. Besides being a waste of money, fast fashion is bad for the environment. Textbook examples of fast fashion are Romwe and Shein, although many other brands are no better.

Good On You, available in mobile app stores, is a great resource to determine whether a clothing brand deserves to be purchased. This app ranks different clothing brands based on ethics and recommends sustainable alternatives for poorly rated products.

One of the most sustainable options for clothes shopping is thrifting. Savers, Plato’s Closet, and Hillcrest Hope are local options. If you don’t find what you are looking for there, try thredUp: an online thrift clothing store.

#3. Switch to solid soaps

The liquids you buy, like laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo and conditioner, typically contain more water and other solvents than the cleansing material itself. For these products, you tend to pay more for the packaging than the soap, which is difficult to recycle and results in plastic pollution. 

Solid or powdered soaps tend to be cheaper and more concentrated per unit, so you pay less and use less. They are also often packaged in easy-to-recycle paper materials. If you need help finding solid soap options, plenty of Etsy shops sell them. They are also available on Earth Hero and Eco Roots.

#4. Limit your plastic use

One of the most crucial environmental changes is reducing the amount of plastic you use. Plastic has become so heavily integrated into our lives that we have to make a conscious effort not to use it whenever possible. Unfortunately, recycling plastics is no longer enough, as very few plastics are recyclable. Below are a few simple ways that you can begin to limit your plastic use:

• When you must use plastic containers, wash them and reuse them for storing food, watering or potting plants and for arts and crafts before tossing them.

• Use metal silverware and clear cups instead of plastic sets and styrofoam cups in the Caf, especially when you get a Green Box. When finished, you can store the silverware and cup in the box, then return them in the Green Box bin.

• Save convenience store cups to be reused. Places like QuickTrip offer a discount when you refill your own cup from your last visit. 

• Use natural loofahs instead of plastic sponges and loofahs for the kitchen and bathroom. When you use hot water on plastic, tons of microplastics are released into water sources that harm the ecosystems they go on to supply. Natural loofahs are plastic-free, last much longer, are easily grown and harvested and can be sterilized in hot water. When you are done using them, they will decompose instead of pollute.