By Lieutenant Colonel Palitha Herath
Archaeological heritage represents far more than a collection of artefacts and ancient sites; it constitutes a fundamental element of national security in the modern world. While the preservation of cultural heritage is often viewed primarily through the lens of historical and educational value, its significance extends deep into the realms of national identity, economic stability, territorial integrity, and geopolitical influence. In an era where security threats have become increasingly complex and multifaceted, the role of archaeological heritage in reinforcing national security has gained unprecedented importance.
Cultural identity and social cohesion
As the definition of national security implies, national security includes components of national authority, and the heritage of each country is one of the components of that country’s national authority; therefore, the necessary efforts should be made to identify and transfer this heritage and protect it.
Archaeological heritage plays a crucial role in forging and maintaining this collective identity. Ancient cities, artefacts, and historical narratives derived from archaeological findings serve as tangible links to the shared past, reinforcing national unity and social cohesion. When citizens identify strongly with their cultural heritage, they are more likely to participate in its protection and preservation, creating a more resilient society better equipped to face external and internal security challenges. The destruction of archaeological sites by extremist groups in countries like Afghanistan and Syria demonstrates the strategic importance of cultural heritage. These acts of destruction are often deliberately calculated to weaken social fabric and national morale. Conversely, the preservation and celebration of archaeological heritage can strengthen national resolve and unity. For example, Egypt’s successful preservation and promotion of its Pharaonic heritage has not only boosted tourism but has also fostered a strong sense of national pride and identity that transcend religious and social divisions.
Econ. security dimensions
Archaeological heritage significantly contributes to national economic security through multiple channels. Tourism centred around archaeological sites generates substantial foreign revenue, creates employment opportunities, and stimulates local economies. In 2023, Sri Lanka saw a significant surge in tourism, welcoming 1,487,303 visitors, which marked a 106.5% increase from the previous year. This notable rise highlights the growing interest in Sri Lanka as a preferred travel destination. Contributing factors could include improved safety and political stability, effective marketing campaigns, enhanced flight connectivity, investments in tourism infrastructure, and positive international recognition. This growth signifies the country’s recovery and potential for continued expansion in the tourism sector.
However, this economic asset faces numerous threats, including looting, illegal trafficking of artefacts, and destruction of sites. The black market for antiquities, often linked to organised crime and terrorist financing, poses a direct threat to national security. Major archaeological sites can generate significant economic benefits which are evidenced as below.
Military applications of archaeol. knowledge
Archaeological knowledge has long been more than just an academic pursuit of understanding human history. In military and defence contexts, archaeological insights provide critical intelligence, strategic planning tools, and technological innovations that extend far beyond traditional historical research.
Landscape Interpretation: Archeological sites bring unique skills to understand how the terrain has changed over centuries. Military strategies leverage this knowledge to:
Analyse historical battle landscape
Understanding geographical transformation
Predict potential movement of corridors and defensive positions
Reconstruct ancient transportation and communication network
Cultural heritage as strategic asset
Cultural heritage serves as a significant strategic asset for nations, playing a crucial role in diplomacy, national identity, and international relations. It encompasses a country’s monuments, traditions, art, and customs, which together shape a unique cultural identity. This identity fosters national pride, unit, and social cohesion, making it a vital component of national security and stability.
Cultural heritage is also a powerful tool in soft diplomacy. Nations with rich cultural histories can use their heritage to build international influence, attract tourism, and promote cross-cultural understanding. Through cultural exchanges, exhibitions, and global collaborations, countries can strengthen their diplomatic ties and enhance their global reputation. For example, countries like Italy and Egypt leverage their ancient sites to promote tourism and global engagement, thereby boosting their economies and enhancing their cultural standing.
Moreover, cultural heritage can serve as a tool for conflict resolution. Shared cultural values and heritage can facilitate peace-building efforts and reconciliation processes, particularly in regions with ethnic or religious divisions. International efforts to preserve cultural landmarks such as UNESCO’s protection of world heritage sites, often promote collaboration and peaceful coexistence among nations. Therefore, protecting cultural heritage is integral not only to a nation’s identity but also to its broader strategic interests, reinforcing the connection between culture, diplomacy, and national security.
United Nations involvement
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations that works to promote world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences, and culture. Recently, UNESCO organised a two-day Regional Consultative Workshop on Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property on 11-12 December last year in Chennai, India bringing together government officials and experts from Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka to discuss and deliberate on the critical issues related to the illicit trafficking of cultural property in South Asia. Representing the Institute of National Security Studies – Sri Lanka, Overlooking Director General and Acting Director (Research) Colonel Nalin Herath, attended the workshop. Its primary focus was on identifying gaps and providing recommendations in the implementation of national legislation, addressing the looting of sites and monuments, tackling the online sale of antiquities, and fostering regional cooperation. Under the 1970 UNESCO Convention, UNESCO continues to build capacities and foster collaboration to protect cultural property and ensure its restitution to rightful nations.
Recommendations
Recommendations could be described as long-term and short-term recommendations for preservation of the historical archaeological sites:
Short-term measures are as follows:
Develop integrated security frameworks that incorporate archaeological site protection; establish specialised units within security forces, create comprehensive site monitoring systems, implement rapid response protocols for heritage emergencies.
Strengthening legislation against antiquities trafficking and archaeological site destruction; enhance penalties for heritage crimes, improve international cooperation in law enforcement, develop better tracking systems for artifacts.
Invest in technological solutions for site monitoring and protection; deploy advanced surveillance systems, implement digital documentation methods, utilise AI and machine learning for site management.
Long-term measures are as follows:
Foster international cooperation in heritage protection; establish bilateral and multilateral agreements, create joint training programmes, share resources and expertise.
Enhance public awareness about security implications of archaeological heritage; develop educational programmes, engage community participation, create public-private partnerships.
Train security personnel in cultural heritage protection; establish specialised training programmes, develop best practices guidelines.
Conclusion
The relationship between archaeological heritage and national security extends far beyond traditional concepts of cultural preservation. By recognising and actively managing archaeological heritage as a security asset, nations can enhance their stability, economic security, territorial integrity, and international influence. The protection of archeological heritage should therefore be viewed as an integral component of national security strategy, deserving of appropriate resources, attention, and integration into broader security frameworks.
As global security challenges evolve, the strategic value of archaeological heritage in maintaining national security will only continue to grow. Nations that successfully integrate heritage protection into their security frameworks will be better positioned to address future challenges while preserving their cultural legacy for generations to come. The investment in archaeological heritage protection is not merely an investment in the past, but a crucial strategic decision that strengthens national security in the present and future.
(Lieutenant Colonel Palitha Herath is a Military Research Officer at the Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), the premier think tank on National Security established under the Ministry of Defence. The opinions expressed are his own and not necessarily reflective of the Institute or the Ministry of Defence)
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication