Absence Quote by Garry Kasparov
“We shouldn't forget that in the case of Georgia, a problem was done away with that bothered [Vladimir] Putin personally - that is, the security during the Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014. Security not in the sense of a guaranteed absence of a terror attack, but in pursuing the aim of moving hot spots of possible conflict farther from the site of the Olympic Games, which are to be held a stone's throw from Abkhazia - that is, in de jure Georgia.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: 2015, security strategy discussion
Security measures at events aim to move potential threats away, not guarantee absolute safety; risk mitigation is about distance and deterrence.
In simple terms: Security pushes threats farther, not eliminates them.
Plan for risk, not certainty.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- large sports events
- political summits
- high‑profile gatherings
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can organizers balance security costs with public access?
- What alternative strategies reduce risk without massive displacement?
No security can be perfect; unforeseen threats may still arise.