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→1980 Moscow
The games heralded the emergence of a democratic system in South Korea, and the recognition of one of the first Third World countries to break into the top ranks of industrialized, modern nations.
The games heralded the emergence of a democratic system in South Korea, and the recognition of one of the first Third World countries to break into the top ranks of industrialized, modern nations.
===1980 Moscow===
===1980 Moscow===
The Olympic Games in Moscow in 1980 were one of the largest international events organized in a socialist country. The Soviets had high expectations of the games as a unique opportunity to present themselves to a worldwide audience. The effective staging of the Moscow Games was intended to demonstrate the power and strength of socialism not only within the Soviet Union but also to nonsocialist countries. To the stunned humiliation of the Soviets, the United States and its allies boycotted Moscow as punishment for the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
The Olympic Games in Moscow in 1980 were one of the largest international events organized in a Communist country, and the arrival of teams from capitalist nations was a matter of internatioanl legitimacy for the regime. The Soviets had high expectations of the games as a unique opportunity to present themselves to a worldwide audience. The effective staging of the Moscow Games was intended to demonstrate the power and strength of Communism not only within the Soviet Union but also to nonsocialist countries. To the stunned humiliation of the Soviets, the United States and all its allies boycotted Moscow as punishment for the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
===1988 Seoul===
===1988 Seoul===
South Korean leaders hoped for both increased economic development and a heightened sense of national identity. Tangible economic results, including the growth of the telecommunications industry, seemed positive, as did the less concrete social, cultural, and political aspects of the games: democratic reforms in South Korea, better relations with Communist countries, and a boost in the nation's collective sense of self-confidence.<ref> Brian Bridges, "The Seoul Olympics: Economic Miracle Meets the World," ''International Journal of the History of Sport'' 2008 25(14): 1939-1952</ref>
South Korean leaders hoped for both increased economic development and a heightened sense of national identity. Tangible economic results, including the growth of the telecommunications industry, seemed positive, as did the less concrete social, cultural, and political aspects of the games: democratic reforms in South Korea, better relations with Communist countries, and a boost in the nation's collective sense of self-confidence.<ref> Brian Bridges, "The Seoul Olympics: Economic Miracle Meets the World," ''International Journal of the History of Sport'' 2008 25(14): 1939-1952</ref>