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Paper short abstract:

Exploration of how cultural heritage can be employed to engage non-state armed groups in conflict zones. By analysing NSAG motivations—ranging from destruction to protective stewardship—it highlights case studies and strategies for fostering trust, reducing risks, and promoting sustainable peace.

Paper long abstract:

Cultural heritage plays a dual role in conflict zones: it can be both a target and a catalyst for dialogue. This paper examines how heritage can be leveraged to engage non-state armed groups (NSAGs), exploring the diverse motivations behind their actions, from ideological destruction to protective stewardship. Using insights from recent research, the paper highlights how tailored approaches to NSAG engagement can transform cultural heritage into an entry point for trust-building and peace-building.

Case studies from conflict-affected regions, such as Syria, Mali, and Afghanistan, reveal how NSAGs' attitudes toward heritage are shaped by factors like ideology, external influences, and local community ties. These examples demonstrate how cultural heritage initiatives—ranging from documentation to collaborative protection—have created opportunities for constructive dialogue and reduced the risk of destruction.

The paper also addresses the challenges of working with NSAGs, including risks of legitimisation, contested narratives, and the vulnerability of heritage sites.

The paper will explore potential actions for leveraging the benefits of cultural heritage protection for NSAG engagement. By positioning cultural heritage within global peacebuilding frameworks, the paper argues for its integration into policy and practice, demonstrating its potential to foster resilience, trust, and long-term stability in conflict zones.