To Break Their Will to Fight: The Weaponization of Heritage in Modern Irregular Warfare

The emergence of irregular warfare in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries has given rise to the strategic utilization of cultural heritage as a potent weapon in conflicts. This phenomenon of heritage weaponization, coupled with the advancements in social media and information warfare, has bestowed the irregular battlefield with a potent tool. The manipulation of heritage takes shape through the protection, destruction, and assimilation of cultural legacies. Recent conflicts in Europe and the Middle East vividly showcase the deployment of these tactics in contemporary warfare theaters. While the establishment of specialized units to safeguard heritage is a positive step, it is imperative that all entities engaged in irregular warfare, along with strategists, comprehend the potential implications of heritage weaponization during conflict scenarios. This understanding must be integral to the strategic planning of future conflicts. Delving into the pages of this chapter unveils a comprehensive examination of how both nation-states and non-state actors have harnessed heritage as a weapon in the realm of hybrid warfare.