ABSTRACT
This chapter sheds light on the conflicts about political independence and control of the National Olympic Committees (NOCs). Unfortunately, little systematic research on the NOCs and their political ties is available. Given the lack of research, a general caveat concerning the validity of generalizations applies. The chapter proceeds as follows: first, the specific position of the NOCs in the Olympic movement is depicted. Then, the political role of NOCs for national governments. Then, several cases of political interference and the IOC remedies are examined.
