Chapter 8: Art-Intelligence Programs

In the background of immediate threats of terrorism and political violence, a non-physical, insidious threat to international security develops. Progressive abuses against cultural heritage support campaigns of terrorism while simultaneously undermining the political credibility of targeted nations. This chapter emphasizes the need for art-centric intelligence to counter the political and financial benefits that terrorist groups gain from the erosion of cultural heritage. Primary types of erosion include the wanton destruction of cultural property in campaigns of ethnic cleansing, looting of undocumented cultural artifacts, and collateral damage to historic buildings and religious monuments during military action against terrorist groups. While all types of destruction confer political clout on terrorist groups, the wartime destruction and looting of cultural artifacts directly impact nations that combat terrorism. During armed conflict, intervening nations incur political liability by negligently damaging cultural property. Similarly, “collecting nations” incur political liability as private collectors and museums encourage erosion of cultural heritage by creating a viable market for looted antiquities. Through an informal proposal for an artintelligence program, this chapter examines immediate political risks engendered by the physical erosion of cultural heritage and speculates on evolving threats to international security as terrorist groups capitalize on the intangible value of manipulating cultural identity.