Culture under Fire (the Forum)

From the recent destruction of Palmyra and the looting of the National Museum of Iraq, cultural artefacts are one of the many casualties of armed conflict. What exactly is cultural property and whose property is it? How should we weigh its value against other priorities during times of conflict? What risks should be taken to protect it, and who is responsible for rebuilding and restoring when the conflict is over? Our speakers discuss the political and ethical issues around culture in war zones.

Speakers
Helen Frowe
Professor of Practical Philosophy and Director of the Stockholm Centre for the Ethics of War and Peace, Stockholm University

Issam Kourbaj
Lector in Art, University of Cambridge
Syrian artist

Vernon Rapley
Director of Cultural Heritage Protection and Security, Victoria & Albert Museum
Special Advisor for Cultural Protection Fund, The British Council

Eleanor Robson
Professor of Ancient Middle Eastern History and Director of the Nahrein Network, UCL

Chair
Sarah Fine
Fellow, The Forum
Senior Lecturer in Philosophy, King’s College London