SPORTS FACTOR" IN THE FORMATION OF THE MODERN IMAGE OF STATES

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to identify the relationship between the sports field and the political image of the state. The authors analyze the evolution of the role and importance of sport in society as a powerful tool of political influence and a factor that consolidates the nation. The concepts of "soft" and "hard" forces of political actors are considered. The influence of mass media, including foreign ones, on the formation of the state image of the Russian Federation on the example of modern “sports” publications is shown. The issues of the influence of refereeing and commenting on international competitions are touched upon. Separately, issues relating to the Olympic Games held in 2018 in South Korean Phenchkhane were considered. The authors analyze the doping scandal, the problem of admission of the team of Olympic athletes from Russia, as well as the impact of this international sporting event on the political image of the Russian Federation.