BLOOD FOR STONES? PROTECTING CULTURAL PROPERTY IN WAR (PART 1)

Cultural property encompasses both tangible artifacts and intangible heritage that shapes societies. Historian Matthias Rogg and international law expert Lando Kirchmair delve into the critical issue of protecting cultural property during armed conflicts. They discuss the multifaceted threats to cultural property, including destruction, seizure, misuse, and humiliation. Their conversation emphasizes the vital role of international law in safeguarding cultural treasures. They also highlight how threats to cultural property often trigger destabilization, bolster violence and are part of information campaigning. Matthias and Lando grapple with the ethical dilemmas inherent in protecting cultural property during wartime, questioning the balance between safeguarding cultural treasures and protecting soldiers' lives. This episode is the first in a two-part series exploring these complex issues. For more information regarding cultural property and it's protection please consider these additional resources: The Monuments Men (2014) based on the bestseller by Robert M. Edsel The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History Charlie English's bestseller The Book Smugglers of Timbuktu (2018) about the attempt to save Mali's world-famous library. Frederik Rosén, NATO and Cultural Property. A Hybrid Threat Perspective, PRISM Vol. 10, No. 3 (2023) NATO and Cultural Property. Embracing New Challenges in the Era of Identiy Wars. Report of the NATO Science for Peace and Security Project: Best Practices for Cultural Property Protection in NATO-led Military Operations (2017) Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence, Factsheet: Cultural Property Protection (CCP). Concepts, Interoperability and Capability Branch (2020)