Heritage, Conflict, and Peace-Building

Heritage, Conflict, and Peace-Building examines the possibilities arising from, and challenges associated with, transforming heritage from a casualty of conflict into an opportunity for peacebuilding.

The contributors to this book, who hail from academia and practice, present case studies that shed light on the multifaceted factors and conditions influenced by diplomacy, nationalism, victimhood, and the roles of diverse institutional actors in fostering peace. They demonstrate the possibilities and pitfalls of the work heritage does for local communities, the nation-state, and the international community, when these different actors and their peace aspirations and agendas intersect. Looking at heritage and peace processes on all continents, the contributions in this volume amount to a compelling analytical account of how the discourses of heritage and peace connect, overlap, and diverge. They also emphasise that our shared aspiration for peace should not be taken for granted in a heritage context, and that it is incumbent upon heritage scholars and practitioners to be more intentional about the work they wish to do to promote peace.

Heritage, Conflict, and Peace-Building will be of interest to scholars and practitioners working in heritage studies, transitional justice, museum studies, international relations, education, history, and law.

"Professors Lixinski and Zhu harmonize a number of diverse voices to raise a chorus that links cultural heritage to both war and peace. Their volume tilts towards an exploration of how cultural property protections, and discourse around culture, can help sustain a durable peace. On this note, this volume also opens another door: to interrogate, and clarify, what exactly is meant by peace. Heritage, Conflict, and Peace-Building offers a dynamic array of contributions that traverse time, theme, and place. Throughout, the editors? steady hand guides while also igniting creativity. In short, this volume is indispensable reading regarding how to preserve cultural heritage while enhancing peace."

~ Mark A. Drumbl, Class of 1975 Alumni Professor, Director, Transnational Law Institute, Washington and Lee University

 "While UNESCO?s stated goal is to ?build peace in the hearts of men and women?, its reliance on heritage to achieve this minimises the contested nature of some heritage sites, objects and documents. Heritage and peace-making are not always natural allies. Contested heritage has exacerbated rather than alleviated some conflicts. This book recognises the complexities surrounding some heritage, and the fact that resolution is not a straightforward process. Its case studies offer possible pathways to resolving heritage conflicts through contestation, negotiation and dialogue that will lead to reconciliation and peace. It is recommended reading for all heritage specialists."

~ Roslyn Russell PhD, Chair, UNESCO Australian Memory of the World Committee