Fans Celebrate Shared Humanity at Winter Olympics

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At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, the author witnessed fans from around the world enthusiastically supporting athletes from various countries, rather than engaging in nationalist displays. The spirit inside the Olympic venues celebrated the shared humanity and global connections that transcend national borders, in contrast to the nationalist rhetoric and policies of some political leaders.

Why it matters

The author's observations at the Olympics challenge the notion that nationalism is on the rise globally. The inclusive, cross-border camaraderie of the fans suggests that people can still find common ground and shared experiences that override narrow nationalist sentiments, even in the context of high-stakes international competition.

The details

The author bought multiple American flags to wave at the Olympics, but ultimately did not feel the need to use them or convey any specific political message. Instead, the author witnessed fans from different countries cheering loudly for their own athletes while also recognizing others' right to do the same. There were no displays of national aggression or resentment, even when an American athlete was booed during the opening ceremony. The author argues that the global cultural order, with its shared pop culture consumption, is not going away despite geopolitical shifts.

• The 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics did not bring North and South Korea closer to reconciliation.
• The 2022 Beijing Olympics likely delayed Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine by less than one week.

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