The Politics of Post-Conflict Heritage Reconstruction: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives (Palgrave Studies in Cultural Heritage and Conflict)

By: Gertjan Plets and Nour A. Munawar

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Synopsis: This edited volume explores the politics and semantics of heritage rehabilitation practices such as conservation, archaeological excavation, memorialization and rebuilding programs. Recent conflicts in the Arab region and Ukraine have demonstrated how heritage is an intrinsic part of contemporary warfare. However, the politicization of heritage reconstruction after conflict receives less attention. While there is consensus on the benefits of reconstruction, a growing number of scholars are now exploring the political agendas encoded in reconstruction programs, and their long-term negative effects on societal recovery. Faced with a contemporary heritage reconstruction wave in the Arab region, but also in (post-)conflict zones like West-Africa and Ukraine, it is important we are aware of the politicking encoded in many heritage aid programs. Through a series of co-authored studies by experts from different disciplines this book aims to identify parameters, practices and institutional organizations that either promote or undermine long-term societal resilience. By combining insights from archaeology, anthropology, conflict and history, this book will explore how heritage reconstructions help to re-shape national and ethno-religious identities and multi-layered memories of affected communities.