In the opening chapter, for example, he delves into the close relationship between soccer gangs in Serbia and the ethnic violence that erupted in that part of the world. The hooligans that passionately and violently supported their soccer team – Red Star Belgrade –smoothly translated their activities into the political realm. In this chapter and many others, Foer reveals how soccer becomes woven into nationalism and tribal warfare with politicians and soccer fans seeking to use the symbols and the energy of the game to their advantage. What soccer doesn't really explain, however, is the complex history and culture that led to the outbreak of ethnic cleansing and war. Soccer is a fascinating and illuminating lens through which to view and seek to understand the events but it is not an explanation. Take away soccer and the violence and hatred still exists.
The same is true of his chapter on the "New Oligarchs" of Italy. Foer presents a fascinating and thought provoking overview of how obsessive Italy’s soccer fans are about referees. He provides an excellent introduction to the clashing ruling families of post-war Italy and how they are different culturally, politically, and economically. The Angelli family – owners of Fiat and a host of other companies – control the powerful Juventus soccer club and are the old-fashioned pre-globalization ruling class. They seek influence and political control through bribery and corruption but they do it from behind the scenes and in back rooms. The flamboyant and controversial newcomer Silvio Berlusconi – owner of the rival club AC Milan – in contrast built a brash media empire and is not shy about using his media power politically or vice versa. For those unfamiliar with the game or with the Italian politics the chapter is both captivating and educational. But I am still skeptical that soccer is anything but an interesting illustration of Italian life. Berlusconi is an ambitious and talented man; if soccer were unavailable he would have chosen another medium with which to seek power. Soccer provides a unique angle for the story but hardly seems a causal factor.
Article comments