Cultural Heritage in Modern Conflict: Past, Propaganda, Parade

This edited volume explores the complex relationship between heritage and warfare, examining how it can be a catalyst for conflict, an obstacle to stability, and a driver of peace-building. It documents the changing role of heritage in military capabilities, theatres, and operations, particularly in subthreshold and hybrid warfare, stabilisation, cultural relationships, human security, and disaster response. The book also highlights the ways in which state and non-state actors exploit cultural heritage for military, political, economic, and diplomatic advantages.

Format: Hardback
Length: 322 pages
Publication date: 09 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This edited volume delves into a comprehensive examination of heritage and warfare from the lens of defense studies, offering a profound exploration of its multifaceted dimensions. The book focuses on the intricate ways in which heritage can serve as a catalyst and a target of conflict, a hindrance to stabilization efforts, and a driver of peace-building. Through detailed documentation, it explores the evolving role of heritage, both in terms of its exploitation and protection, within various military capabilities, theaters, and operations. With a particular emphasis on subthreshold and hybrid warfare, stabilization, cultural relationships, human security, and disaster response, the volume critically examines the historical relationship between heritage and armed conflict. It sheds light on the roles of embedded archaeologists, the safeguarding of ethical principles, and the dislodgement and destruction of material culture.

Furthermore, the book showcases the strategic value of understanding how state and non-state actors exploit cultural heritage across different defense postures and within the context of subthreshold and proxy warfare. By doing so, they aim to gain military, political, economic, and diplomatic advantages.

This edited volume is of immense interest to students of defense studies, heritage studies, anthropology, and security studies in general, as well as military practitioners. It provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between heritage, conflict, and peace-building, contributing to a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that arise in this critical domain.

Weight: 800g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032200804