Russia and Sports - Politics, Business and National Identity

This issue of the Russian Analytical Digest examines the role of sport in Russian politics, business and national identity building. Ben Aris considers the Russian leadership's strategy of hosting international sporting events as a driver for infrastructural development. Valery Dzutsev analyses the preparations for the 2014 Sochi Olympics, highlighting corruption, the Circas¬sian issue and security concerns. Markku Jokisipilä discusses how Putin's national champion model is being used to support Russian sport with the aim of strengthening national identity.