Several weeks ago the Wall Street Journal ran a special section on China and the Olympics. Some great articles in there (see below). I put a *** by the articles I thought were particularly well done and relevant to our upcoming trip.

A Look at China on the Verge of the Olympics. Its Politics, its Religion, its Demographics — and Yes, the Games

The Olympics And Politics***

No Comparison: The Olympics helped bring democracy to South Korea. So why aren’t they doing the same thing for China?***

Brand Strategies: Despite global protests, most corporate sponsors are gambling that the smartest move is to stay the course***

In Search of … Something: A growing number of Chinese, unmoored by rapid change, are finding answers in religion***

Do As I Teach: Thanks to Donnie Pei, more Chinese schools are putting Olympics education on their curriculum

On The Move: Chinese officials want more farmers to migrate to the city. But they are also aware that migration brings problems.***

So Many Children Left Behind: Parents migrating to cities face a wrenching decision: what to do with their kids

Where Have You Gone, Lei Feng?: China needs heroes — and the hope is that the Olympics will provide some

Going For The Gold: China hopes to increase its medal totals this year. And the athletes hope they can cash in as well.

The Show Will Go On: The pomp of the Olympics has long been a favorite of authoritarian governments. This year will be no exception.

Prof. Carr June 10, 2008 addendum: See the WSJ article that just came out relating to this very post, Victim or Victor? China’s Olympic Odyssey