* Cultural Heritage and the Military

Expert-defined terms from the Global Certificate in Cultural Heritage Law course at London School of International Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.

* Cultural Heritage and the Military

Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) (1979) #

A US federal law that prohibits the excavation, removal, damage, or defacement of archaeological resources on public lands without a permit. It also imposes penalties for violations.

Blue Shield #

An international organization that works to protect cultural heritage during times of conflict and natural disasters. It is affiliated with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and is often referred to as the “Red Cross” for cultural heritage.

Cultural cleansing #

The deliberate and systematic destruction of cultural heritage as a means of dominating, terrorizing, or eradicating a group of people. It can take the form of physical destruction, looting, or the denial of cultural rights.

Cultural diplomacy #

The use of cultural resources and exchanges to further diplomatic goals and build relationships between nations. It can include the promotion of cultural heritage through exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.

Cultural property #

Moveable or immovable property of great importance to the cultural heritage of a group or society, including monuments, buildings, artifacts, and archives.

Cultural property protection #

The preservation and protection of cultural property during times of conflict, natural disasters, or other emergencies. This can include measures such as physical protection, evacuation, and digital preservation.

Cultural resource management (CRM) #

The practice of identifying, evaluating, and managing cultural resources, including cultural heritage sites, artifacts, and traditions.

First Geneva Convention (1864) #

The first of four Geneva Conventions, it established the rules for the treatment of wounded soldiers on the battlefield. It also included provisions for the protection of cultural property in times of war.

Fourth Geneva Convention (1949) #

The fourth of four Geneva Conventions, it deals with the protection of civilians during times of war. It includes provisions for the protection of cultural property and the prevention of cultural cleansing.

Geneva Conventions (1949) #

A series of four international treaties that establish the rules for the treatment of civilians, prisoners of war, and the wounded during times of war. The conventions also include provisions for the protection of cultural property.

Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Arme… #

It requires parties to the conflict to take measures to protect cultural property and to refrain from using it for military purposes.

Illicit trafficking #

The unlawful trade in cultural property, including theft, looting, and smuggling. It is a major threat to cultural heritage and is often driven by organized crime.

Immovable cultural heritage #

Cultural heritage that is fixed to the land, such as buildings, monuments, and archaeological sites.

Intangible cultural heritage #

Cultural heritage that is not physical in nature, such as traditions, customs, and knowledge.

Moveable cultural heritage #

Cultural heritage that can be moved, such as artifacts, archives, and works of art.

NATO Cultural Property Protection Working Group #

A NATO-sponsored group that works to promote cultural property protection among NATO member states and partners.

Protocols I and II to the Hague Convention (1954) #

Two protocols to the Hague Convention that provide additional protections for cultural property, including the use of the distinctive emblem of the convention.

Roerich Pact (1935) #

An international treaty that establishes the protection of artistic and scientific institutions and historic monuments in times of war.

Second Protocol to the Hague Convention (1999) #

A protocol to the Hague Convention that strengthens protections for cultural property and provides for the establishment of a system of special protection.

UNESCO #

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, it is a specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes international cooperation in education, science, and culture. UNESCO also works to protect cultural heritage and has established several conventions and programs in this area.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Con… #

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Conventions - A series of international treaties and recommendations established by UNESCO to protect cultural heritage, including the 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, the 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, and the 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.

Underwater cultural heritage #

Cultural heritage that is located underwater, such as shipwrecks, sunken cities, and underwater archaeological sites.

UNSC Resolution 2347 (2017) #

A UN Security Council resolution that condemns the destruction of cultural heritage and calls for the strengthening of legal frameworks for its protection. It is the first UNSC resolution to specifically address the protection of cultural heritage.

World Heritage Sites #

Sites that are designated by UNESCO as having outstanding universal value and are therefore protected under the 1972 World Heritage Convention. These sites can be cultural, natural, or mixed (both cultural and natural) in nature.

Yamato Dynasty Policy #

A policy established by the Japanese government in the late 19th century that aimed to promote Japanese culture and language and suppress the cultures and languages of minority groups in Japan. This policy had a significant impact on the cultural heritage of Japan's Ainu and Okinawan communities.

Sources: #

Sources:

* "Archaeological Resources Protection Act." National Park Service. <https #

//www.nps.gov/archeology/tools/laws/arp.htm>

* "Blue Shield International." Blue Shield International. <https #

//www.blueshield-international.org/>

* "Cultural cleansing #

" United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

* "Cultural diplomacy." United States Department of State. <https #

//eca.state.gov/cultural-diplomacy>

* "Cultural heritage #

" United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

* "Cultural property protection." United States Department of Defense. <https #

//www.defense.gov/explore/cultural-property-protection/>

* "Cultural resource management." National Park Service. <https #

//www.nps.gov/subjects/culturalresources/cultural-resource-management.htm>

* "First Geneva Convention." International Committee of the Red Cross. <https #

//www.icrc.org/en/doc/resources/core/library/ihl-first-geneva-convention.htm>

* "Fourth Geneva Convention." International Committee of the Red Cross. <https #

//www.icrc.org/en/doc/resources/core/library/ihl-fourth-geneva-convention.htm>

* "Geneva Conventions." International Committee of the Red Cross. <https #

//www.icrc.org/en/doc/resources/core/library/ihl.htm>

* "Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Arme… #

" United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

* "Illicit trafficking #

" United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

* "Immovable cultural heritage #

" United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

* "Intangible cultural heritage #

" United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

* "Moveable cultural heritage #

" United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

May 2026 cohort · 29 days left
from £90 GBP
Enrol