Protecting cultural heritage during armed conflict: the Italian contribution to 'cultural peacekeeping'

Paolo Foradori
2016 Modern Italy  
World cultural heritage is under systemic attack on several crisis fronts, most notably in Mesopotamia, where ISIS is practising a deliberate and highly sophisticated strategy of 'cultural cleansing'. Through its newly established Task Force, Italy is leading the international community's efforts to strengthen the protection regime by including a cultural component in the mandates of peacekeeping interventions. The Italian contribution distinguishes itself, thanks to its capacities and
more » ... ies, in fulfilling the military, police and cultural tasks of 'cultural peacekeeping' and in meeting the needs of the international intervention in the crucial entry and exit phases. Moreover, Italy's commitment to protecting cultural heritage fits perfectly with the distinctive features of Italy's international identity and role while at the same time serving the country's national interests by increasing its standing and visibility in world affairs.
doi:10.1017/mit.2016.57 fatcat:7rurw6wrcjbfnhpuj6uxbvwdgm