Can the destruction of cultural heritage be used as a weapon of war?
In short: When conflict erupts, the target is often more than just territory. From the destruction of museums to the systematic 'culturecide' of entire ethnicities, heritage is increasingly being weaponized to deny people their very sense of self and belonging.
In modern warfare, attacks on both tangible heritage—such as monuments and buildings—and intangible heritage, including customs and knowledge, serve as propaganda. This process can be used to dehumanize populations, as seen during the Second World War when the theft and destruction of Jewish and Roma heritage was used to delegitimize entire ethnicities. This systematic obliteration is often described as 'culturecide.'
The impact of these attacks extends far beyond physical loss. Heritage anchors a person or a people in time and space, providing a sense of belonging and attachment to place. When these markers are destroyed, as seen in recent conflicts in Ethiopia, Mali, Myanmar, Nagorno-Karabakh, Somalia, and Syria, the very identity of a community is under threat.
Conversely, the reconstruction of heritage plays a vital role in post-conflict recovery. Research projects, such as the €1.2 million CRIC project led by Dr. Marie Louise Stig Sørensen, are investigating how rebuilding can influence social memory and identity. By studying case studies in regions like Bosnia and Cyprus, researchers aim to understand how heritage can be harnessed for both personal and political agendas during reconstruction.
Understanding these dynamics is essential for policy makers. As the Russian invasion of Ukraine has demonstrated, the deliberate damage to places of worship and museums can provoke international condemnation. Protecting heritage is not just about preserving the past; it is a crucial component of military preparedness and post-war resolution.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Cultural Heritage and War: Panel Discussion
- Also: Cultural heritage after conflict
- Also: Cultural Heritage on the Frontline: the destruction of peoples and identities in war
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