The Destruction of Cultural Property as a Weapon of War

This book aims to advance the understanding of cultural property in armed conflict, and its significance for anti-terrorism and peace-building strategies. As the author argues, ISIS' orchestrated theft and destruction of cultural property has become a tactic of war. Through a historical, political, and legal analysis, this book explains the pathology of radical groups' behavior toward cultural objects as part of their terror campaign. Using constructivist ideas, it explains the importance of cultural property in the context of short-term and long-term security and analyzes the evolution of laws and policies to protect it.

Discusses theoretical conceptualizations of cultural property throughout history and how these have changed in light of extremists' use of it Analyzes existing international law provisions to protect cultural property, new measures to protect it, and possible prosecutions both in international and domestic tribunals Posits that protection of cultural property should be part of the short-term and long-term security agenda in conflict zones

Autorentext
Helga Turku, JD, PhD, is a Washington, DC-based attorney and author who previously worked for the International Organization for Migration, San Francisco State University, and US Government-funded rule of law and security projects in Africa and Latin America.

Inhalt

1. Cultural Property as A Weapon of War .- 2. Cultural Property Destruction in History and in the Present .- 3. Long-Term Security Repercussions of Attacking Cultural Property .- 4. International Law on Protection of Cultural Property During Armed Conflict .- 5. International and State Response to Terrorists' Attacks and Plunder of Cultural Property .- 6. Conclusion: Future Action to Protect Cultural Property During Conflict.