+ Major Event and Festival Impacts Lecture 5: Political Impacts

+ Introducing Power and Politics Politics is concerned with the relationship between power and authority It is possible to have a seat of power but little authority Similarly, it is possible to have authority but little power Events can be used as a medium for the communication of political discontent, disagreement, dissent and protest They can also be used to further goals of democracy, justice, human rights, environmental protection, progressive agendas, etc

+ Politics and Policy In this lecture we will distinguish the role of events in both politics and policy Politics stems from the greek word politikos and is referred to as a process by which groups of people make collective decisions We could perhaps question how collective decisions regarding the hosting of an event are Policy is the course of action taken with regard to a specific issue In the public realm this can refer not only to the end result of a policy but the general decision making process

+ Political Aspects of Events: the expo Expos were used by political and cultural elites to promote their national power Elements of classism, racism and sexism were prevalent Imperial expos – nation building, colonising and modernisation of western societies Civilising mission Supernationalism Hegemony Progressive social force for change

+ Political Aspects of Events: the Olympic Games IOC influenced by growth of fascism in europe Hitler’s Games 1936 Post-war super power rivalry and manipulation Cold War Exclusion along lines of sex, race and ethnicity Use of OG for propoganda, protest, terrorism and boycotts Political role of IOC Should sport and politics mix?

+ The Rise of the Political Mega Event Modern Political Ceremonies Party political conferences American presidential elections Commemorative Anti Nazi Olympics Gay Pride Orange Walk Protest against dominant culture G8 EU Summits World Bank/IMF

+ Events as Public Policy Changes in the political and economic environment have led to new public policy strategies for seeking urban growth Development of consumption and experience economies Cities need to find a way to differentiate and distinguish in an increasingly globalised and homogenised world Hosting events is seen to be desirable as they can generate revenue, enhance city image and reshape physical infrastrucure

+ Events as Urban Growth Strategy “every region, at least in the developed world, have sought to develop festivals” (Gibson & Connell, 2005:215) Events are seen to be highly visible but occur over a limited time period which is thought to lessen the risk of negative impacts However, pursing peripatetic events can be a risky strategy Substantial outlay of resources just to bid The probability of winning is not high Benefits are often intangible

+ Power Relations Planning, bidding and organising events for public policy purposes often lies with public planners However, this top down approach is argued to be a mis- understanding of tourism development The role of stakeholders in shaping the experience Planning efforts that are imposed on stakeholders are likely to have little effect on outcomes Need for network planning Social and cultural impacts as a way of creating positive attitudes among residents But are they really consulted?