Russia's legacy or world reputation now that the Sochi Olympics are over...

[Daradon]

What do you think Russia's international reputation is like now that the Sochi games have come to an end? Do you think people see them as more modern, more relevant, and closer in the international community, or is their treatment of their people and the international community as a whole, still putting them in a position where they will be at odds to the western world?

A few things to think about, pros and cons:

Russia was able to keep the games safe, which was most people's biggest concern going in.

The games went off fairly well, no big scandals. Some of the Olympic village wasn't completed in time but there didn't appear to be any big scandals.

The venues were top notch, and the athletes had many nice things to say about the experience in Russia in general.

On the other hand, citizens near Sochi were very upset about what happened to their townsites, and in some cases felt like they were pushed right off their land with no compensation.

Russia used an iron fist to quell protests and demonstrations. From designating special zones nowhere near the Olympics, to their treatment of activist group ##### Riot, to the arrest and incarceration of demonstrators in Moscow on the last day of the games.

Russia's involvement in the Ukraine crisis that came to a head while the games were still going on.

Lastly, the much talked about anti-gay laws that came into effect before the games started.

There's probably a lot more on both sides, well, the cons for sure, but I thought I'd just get the discussion going now.

[Hemi-Cuda]

I don't see how Russia improved their image at all with these games. Most expensive Olympics in history due to overwhelming corruption, not being able to finish everything even with all that money, whipping protestors in the streets. And those "This is my Russia" bits that CBC did showing everyday life there made it seem like such a depressing place to live. Ugly, barren, cold, corruption as a way of life, and more intolerant than any true first world nation. If I never get the chance to visit I'll be quite content

[nik-]

They still pass laws contrary to human rights and as soon as the world left their doorstep they resumed interfering in the Ukraine.

Second rate country with a relic leader.

[Itse]

My guess, the games partly achieved what the Russians/Putin hoped, much like they did for China. Modernizing their image, bringing up things that most people don't think about like the admittedly impressive history in arts, etc.

And a lot of people are all for keeping them "damn ######s" down, unfortunately. Or they just don't give a damn, like Finnish sports journalists apparently. (The level of commentary was incredibly stupid.)

That said, they also surely strengthened Russias image as an evil empire.

Mostly I think it will never be worth the insane cost. Had they spent that 50 billion on infrastructure and more varied sports and arts projects, the effects would have lasted much longer and improved their image much more.

[Northendzone]

I want to move There and watch the police choir sing western style hits all night.......

[troutman]

Russia will have growing pains towards a modern democracy for decades. They are still a mafia state governed by a dictator.

[Daradon]

Does the recent Olympics soften anyone's perception of Russia? Worsen it? Or stay the same?

[Peanut]

My perception is actually worse. It put the spotlight on their backwards human rights policies, corruption, and, like Itse said, just strengthened the "evil empire" reputation.

[Delthefunky]

Big step back for me, it just made me realize how ass backwards they still are. The involvement in the Ukraine riot, harsh anti-gay stance, and ##### riot cossack wipping kind of stood out most. As proud as I am about all the athletes, I feel this olympics was extremely tainted, and Russia never deserved them in the first the place. The costs alone raise alarm. This Olympics was twice as expensive as any other previous (or something to that effect), did it all go to that cool scoreboard stadium?? I have a feeling we'll be looking at pictures of Sochi like we are now looking at pictures of Sarajevo in 1984.

[Violator]

Russia is a post modernistic society trapped in the Stalin's 50's most people cant think for themselves nor do they want to nor do they have to.Russia will never change you look at Russia the same way you look at North Korea if it fell the people dont trust the goverment nor does the Government trust the people to make the right decisions.

[Delthefunky]

I really have to disagree with that. First, it's a sweeping generalization, and many people do want a change, and there are several satellite states on the brink that are quite nervous right now. They are quite able to think for themselves, (Ukraine?), they just have weird iron-like fist hanging over their heads....

[Itse]

Absolutely. The very best criticism to the Russian system can be found, unsurprisingly, from inside Russia.

The notion that there is no independent media there is also a gross exaggaration, even if it is a dark place for freedom of press.

Russia is not one thing, it's a large country full of contradictions. (Not unlike China or the US in that sense.) It's in a dark place right now, and mostly going the wrong way. The current regime stinks, and they have been effective in brainwashing notable segments of the population.

But most of the people there are just regular people, not significantly different from average Joe Canadian. There is also a lot of very interesting, challenging and forward-looking culture and political discussion in Russia, always has been. (They have a pretty cool music scene btw, although it's tough to crack for a foreigner.)

To deny the existence of everyone but those people who are the problem really just hurts the people who are trying to change the country for the better.