Heritage Contraband: Mapping US Policy to Combat International Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property

While the US has shown leadership in advocating for cultural heritage protection on the global stage since WWII, its hesitancy and delays in ratifying or implementing key conventions, along with repeated withdrawals from UNESCO, suggest otherwise regarding its commitment. 21st-century geopolitics have elevated the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural property, emphasizing not only the safeguarding of humanity’s collective heritage but also the maintenance of international relations and national security for the US, which has led to policy responses. This research evaluates US policies aimed at countering international illicit trafficking of cultural property, highlighting the need for reassessment in light of new global dynamics and recent legislative changes. The variety in policy motivations and dynamics, influenced by global power balances and Indian relations, indicates that current policies to control international illicit trafficking of cultural property have significant gaps. Mapping these policies reveals inconsistencies and deficiencies in the US’s efforts to combat this issue, underscoring the urgent need for improvements.