In her new book, Art for War, Musu examines the complex journey of archaeological artifacts—from their excavation and displacement through conflict or economic hardship to their appearance in the international art market.
The book explores the growing concern over the links between the illicit antiquities trade and terrorist financing, particularly in regions affected by war and instability. Archaeological sites in these areas are especially vulnerable to looting and illegal excavation, with profits from what are sometimes referred to as “blood antiquities” potentially contributing to the financing of further violence.
Art for War examines how the perception of antiquities trafficking evolved from an issue primarily focused on archaeology and cultural heritage to one increasingly viewed through the lens of international security and counterterrorism.
By bringing these perspectives together, Musu offers scholars, policymakers and students of international affairs a new way of understanding how the protection of cultural heritage has become intertwined with global security, while raising important questions about art, heritage and the international mechanisms that facilitate the movement of cultural objects.
Congratulations to Costanza Musu on this important new contribution to the field of international affairs!