Even though ban on individuals for doping violations is popular, the complete ban of Russian 378-athlete-team from Rio Olympics Games proves to be an utter shock. For the first time in history, one country’s team is completely prevented from participating in Olympics Games because of state scandal rather than concrete proof of violations from each and every individual. While it is true that there is a need to punish those who violate, an exclusive ban, in my point of view, is unjust for the other innocent portion of Russian athletes, who had made their best efforts to prepare themselves for the Games, coming all the way to Rio only to be robbed of the right to compete for crimes they never committed.

After this incident, Russia as a country’s name will probably become even more popular than the host country - Brazil. It shows, nevertheless, the creativity in inventing reason for sanction. It is not the first time Russia became the target. In the Melbourne Games 1956, Spain, Switzerland and the Netherlands joined a boycott against the Soviet invasion of Hungary. In 1980 Moscow Game, the USSR suffered from an international sanction of more than 60 nations including Japan and West Japan in opposition of Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The boycott was led by the USA, reducing the number of participating states by one third.

Unlike previous incidents, this official ban can seriously harm Russia’s position and fame in the world stage because it is no longer the USA banned Russia, nor the European banned Russia. This time it is an International Olympics Committee and International Paralympic Committee with the recognized legal power that charged Russia for legal violations.

While the ban itself cannot do much tangible physical damage to Russia, it does highlight the image of a weakened Russia on the international stage: it reveals the picture of a much less powerful Russia, which cannot even defend its athletes in a supposed-to-be anti-political International Sport Event. 2 years have passed since Russia-Ukraine conflict over Crimea. However, sanctions from the West are on-going, shadowing Russian economy. By the end of 2015 and the beginning of 2016, there was somewhat positive sign from Russia when the country made efforts in developing its military force and technology despite sanctions. Recently, the warm-up between Russia and Turkey also added some joy to the nation. However, the Rio ban on Russian athletes again succeeded a “heart-attack” against Russia, darkening the country’s global image, not only because of the illegal drug usage itself, but also because of proof of Russian contracting power. More seriously, IPC is even planning on campaigning for continuation of ban on Russian athletes in next Olympics, tolerating only a few number of Russian athletes receiving trainings abroad to compete under neutral flag. If this plan were to be realized, it would become a great humiliation for Russia as a big country.

Resorting to International legally recognized body seems to be a new trend in world politics. Earlier this year, on July 12^th, Chinese international image had to pay dearly for the country’s activities and claims in the South China Sea Dispute. China survived, however, by its economic power and by reacting verbally, not militarily. Russia, in contrast, does not seem to manage well as China, who once had to depend on Soviet support to win independence. This is a sign that Russia needs to conduct a comprehensive reform on its economy to regain its global status. Without economic power and other soft methods, Russia cannot always resort to military and hard power to claim their status in the 21^st century economic driven politics. It will be interesting to watch what Russia can do to overcome this situation in the next 21 days.

By Linh Tong