Refusing to play a sport with a country...

[Synonym]

...due to its treatment of certain groups, or human rights abuses. Is this a form of 'collective punishment'?

The same could be asked of trade embargoes. The individuals of that nation are being punished for the actions of their rulers?

[trubble]

I've always thought these were decent enough actions to take - a form of peaceful protest that would undermine the governments concerned. Leaders get huge kudos and validation from prestigious sports events so withdrawing that option is a valid action, I think, & trade embargoes puts pressure on the financial sector which we know puts pressure on government. Ultimately it's helping the country (escape from bad leadership).

Do you feel it's unfair?

[Synonym]

Such actions punish citizens which is why I said it might be 'collective punishment'. Considering that it is the footballers who are playing, and their managers and other contributors, and not the lawmakers, is it fair to punish the former group in order to 'get at' the later? I can see the pragmatic reasons but then I can see them for any collective punishment.

[sadie1263]

Well it has done nothing to hurt North Korea. China just sells to them. Really it has no effect on the elite.....and the elite in many of those countries don't generally care that everyone else is starving.