Is the Olympics a peaceful solution to the human instinct for war?

Answer 1

The Olympics are an excellent tool for peaceful international relations, but a century of the modern Olympics games has not had made a noticeable difference in the wars that have been waged. Wars are not a human instinct, they are the result of human weaknesses of individuals, such as greed, lust for power, rage, fear, hate, etc. No matter how many of us behave peacefully and participate in peaceful events, there will always be people afflicted with these weaknesses who are determined to have their way.

An excellent illustration of this point of fact is the 1936 Olympic games hosted by Germany. Most of the participants were there to interact with people from other countries, challenge their abilities, or enjoy the events. Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party hosted the event to display the superiority of the 'Aryan Race' and were enraged (Behind the Scenes) when their goals were thwarted. None of the spirit of the international camaraderie was felt by them and did nothing to slow or curtail the horrors they inflicted on the people of Europe.