ABSTRACT
Philosophers and statesmen have long debated whether armed conflict within and between various organized communities constitutes an inevitable aspect of the human condition. Irrespective of one's viewpoint concerning this discussion, all would agree that armed conflicts are always costly in both human life and property. This chapter analyzes, assess, and evaluates the international community's efforts to protect cultural property during hostilities. It frames this examination within the larger context of questions concerning the degree to which the normative standards governing the conduct of armed conflicts are universally applicable or should be dependent upon such situational considerations as the nature of the conflict and the relationship between the belligerents. The chapter examines the international community's various conventional efforts during the past century and a half to better ensure wartime protection for cultural property.
