This booklet considers the relationships among international politics and sports in terms of the Olympic Games and of: (1) the concept of what appears to be popular is politically important; (2) the opportunities that sports offer people, regardless of color or class; (3) a country's general physical fitness; (4) the pride and prestige that sports success promotes; and (5) the business opportunities that are created through sports' popularity. Chapter 1 illustrates these relationships. Chapters 2 and 3 chronicle the history of the modern Olympic Games, while chapter 4 explores standards for athlete selection and financing procedures. How international power conflicts have affected the Olympic system is discussed in chapter 5, and chapter 6 describes the role of developing nations in relation to the Olympic Games. The USSR's entrance into international sports after 1950 is explored in chapter 7, while chapter 8 provides information about the U.S. role in world sports. Discussion questions for students, photographs, and a 19-item bibliography are included. (JHP)