Why the Cultural Boycott of Russia Matters
Excluding Russia from the sports and art worlds over its war against Ukraine threatens Putin’s image in the way economic and political sanctions cannot.
Russia is isolated. In the week since Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of neighboring Ukraine, the country has been ostracized not just diplomatically (even by some of Moscow’s closest allies) and economically (international sanctions have made the ruble worth less than a penny), but culturally too.
Russia’s national and club soccer teams from international matches and tournaments, including the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. The , as well as several individual sports governing bodies, has followed suit. The , due to be played in St. Petersburg in May, has been moved to Paris, while the , set and won’t receive from Disney, Warner Bros., or Sony.
