In June and July, when Russia hosts the 2018 World Cup, it will have a chance to shatter many of the Western media stereotypes depicting the country as hopelessly corrupt. At the same time, for those who view the world through a zero-sum geopolitical lens, the event will offer the powerful corrective of cooperation and collegiality.
MOSCOW – It is hard to imagine a positive headline this year featuring the words “Russia” and “global impact.” If anything, the international news media seem to be competing to provide the most lurid possible coverage of Russia under President Vladimir Putin. And yet, in two months, when Russia hosts the soccer World Cup – the world’s most-watched sporting event – it will make just such a positive contribution on the international stage.
MOSCOW – It is hard to imagine a positive headline this year featuring the words “Russia” and “global impact.” If anything, the international news media seem to be competing to provide the most lurid possible coverage of Russia under President Vladimir Putin. And yet, in two months, when Russia hosts the soccer World Cup – the world’s most-watched sporting event – it will make just such a positive contribution on the international stage.