The spectacle of the winter Olympics at Sochi, Russia, getting underway this week combined with protests against Russia’s anti-gay laws are reminders that the competitions always blend a celebration of athletics with the politics of “We Are the World” internationalism and self-promoting nationalism.

“Basically, you’ve got to look at the history of travel. The Olympics movement was a huge, huge event. It was an opportunity for a country to say they’re ready,” says Jim Lapides, owner of International Poster Gallery in Boston. “It’s all about becoming a leading member of the world community.”