State of Exception

As Rio de Janeiro prepared to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, a group identifying as “urban Indians” banded together to resist their forced evictions, aligning with other marginalized communities. This scenario is all too common when large-scale corporate sporting events arrive in major cities, often leading to significant disruption and corruption within local governments and displacing the most vulnerable populations. The resistance against these practices is gaining momentum globally, challenging the power of these large corporations through activism, independent media, and the resolve of local residents to defend their homes. Over six years, Jason O’Hara immersed himself in these communities, dedicated to exposing the widespread injustices they face. As the focus shifts to Russia and Japan for upcoming events, it becomes increasingly important to acknowledge these struggles to ensure they are not forgotten.