Authoritarian regimes like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Rwanda continue to weaponize sports as both a political and economic tool. They grow their influence through sponsorships, acquisitions, event hosting, and infiltrating sports governing bodies. Our panelists will explore how sports both advance and resist authoritarianism, discuss the human rights abuses covered up by sports in authoritarian regimes, and analyze how journalists, athletes, fans, and governing bodies can address the pressing challenges facing global sports in the years ahead.