Cultural Heritage, War and Geopolitics: The Case of Ukraine

Photo Credit: april.wlm.photo

This seminar delves into the intricate role of cultural heritage in light of Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine. Recent conflicts, marked by mass atrocities and terrorism, often revolve around matters pertaining to cultural heritage—be it places, objects, or narratives of profound cultural or spiritual significance. This extends beyond the physical destruction of locations observed during times of kinetic conflict, encompassing strategies aimed at influencing and destabilizing communities and nations. In some cases, the weaponization of historical and cultural narratives has become a prominent tactic. Undoubtedly, cultural heritage emerges as an inherently geopolitical issue and, increasingly, a distinct military domain. Claims to cultural heritage underlie territorial disputes, acts of aggression, information warfare, and military invasions.

How do Russia and NATO countries perceive cultural heritage within the framework of national security? How can we comprehend aggressions such as Russia’s in this realm, and what measures can be taken to counter it?

Programme 

Welcome  Dean of Humanities, Kirsten Busch Nielsen
Introductory remarks  Tea Sindbæk Andersen
Speakers 

Dr Marie Elisabeth Berg Christensen, ToRS / Nordic Center for Cultural Heritage and Armed Conflict: Museums and the securitization of cultural heritage

Dr Jade McGlynn, King’s College London, UK: Memory and Identity as Core Elements of Russian National Security Strategies

Dr Mads Kähler Holst, Director of Moesgaard Museum, DK: Russian Aggression Towards Ukraine and the Museum Sector

Dr Frederik Rosén, Director, Nordic Center for Cultural Heritage and Armed Conflict, DK: Heritage, Warfare, and Security: NATO vs. Russia National Security Strategies
Q&A led by Tea Sindbæk Andersen
Wine and snacks 

This event marks the end of the Network “Cultural Heritage and Conflict”, funded by the Crown Princess Mary Center, 2022-2023, and the launch of the Heritage War Coalition (HWC), involving the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, Penn Global, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Department of Anthropology, University of Copenhagen.