Spielberg may pressure China on Sudan

According to the International Herold Tribune “Managing Globalization” blog of Daniel Altman:

It takes quite a big profile to get the attention of the Chinese government. Steven Spielberg is betting that his is big enough, according to a report over the weekend from the BBC. Spielberg may bow out as cinematic mastermind of Beijing’s 2008 Olympics unless China compels Sudan, with which it has substantial economic ties, to accept peacekeepers from the United Nations. Does he have a shot?

Well, Spielberg’s economic might by itself isn’t so huge. Yes, he’s one of the world’s highest earning entertainers, with an income equivalent to the GDP of quite a few small island nations. His pull in Hollywood might count for more. But the fact that his actions make headlines is the most important one.

Still, I can’t see China changing a longstanding policy at the behest of a single movie man. Spielberg may just be looking for a principled way out of what has become an uncomfortable situation – in other words, it could be a business decision. If more influential people join him, however, the government may have to think again; the games are supposed to be China’s global coming-out party. So, who else is willing to give up the money and spectacle of Beijing?