FIFA's World Cup and Authoritarianism with Karim Zidan
About this episode
Karim Zidan discusses the intersection of sport, politics, and authoritarianism in relation to FIFA's World Cup.
Karim Zidan, an investigative journalist and author, explores the complex relationship between sport, politics, and authoritarian regimes through his podcast Power Plays and upcoming book. This episode delves into how FIFA's World Cup has historically been exploited by regimes to legitimize power, the role of protests, and the future of global sporting events amidst political turmoil. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 03:02 World Cup Politics and Authoritarianism 06:00 Historical Context of Sports and Politics 08:53 FIFA's Evolution and Corruption 12:08 The Role of Media in Authoritarian Regimes 15:03 Sportswashing and Soft Power 18:13 Infantino's FIFA and Authoritarianism 21:00 The Power of Football and National Pride 23:55 Balancing Love for the Game with Awareness 37:58 The Role of Sports in Community and Health 38:30 Critical Sports Fandom and Activism 40:29 Protests in Sports: Historical Context and Impact 43:58 The Power of Protest: Case Studies and Symbolism 46:04 The Evolving Nature of Successful Protests 50:44 Labor Movements and Protests in Sports 55:03 Future World Cups: Expectations and Concerns 01:00:01 Saudi Arabia's Transformation and the 2034…
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