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Soft-power and pro-European bias in the UNESCO World Heritage List? A test based on ICOMOS experts’ evaluations of colonial sites

Author

Listed:
  • Martina Dattilo

    (University of Turin)

  • Fabio Padovano

    (University of Rennes
    Condorcet Center for Political Economy
    Università Roma Tre)

  • Yvon Rocaboy

    (University of Rennes
    Condorcet Center for Political Economy)

Abstract

European sites are said to be overrepresented on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Some scholars attribute this phenomenon to Western countries’ influence over international organizations, which results in the adoption of biased, pro-European aesthetic standards by UNESCO’s selection committee. We test this explanation by comparing the International Council on Monuments and Sites’ (ICOMOS) evaluations for sites of European (colonial) and native origins. We rely on two measures of site quality—Outstanding Universal Value and a textual analysis of ICOMOS’ reports. ICOMOS experts produce these evaluations based on UNESCO’s aesthetic standards before lobbying by member countries can take place. Hence, the evaluations reflect the stage of UNESCO’s decision-making process in which European 'soft power' is most likely to appear, if it in fact exists. After controlling for numerous potential confounders, our estimates show no statistical difference in ICOMOS’ evaluations of colonial vs. native sites, suggesting that ICOMOS experts appear impartial.

Suggested Citation

  • Martina Dattilo & Fabio Padovano & Yvon Rocaboy, 2025. "Soft-power and pro-European bias in the UNESCO World Heritage List? A test based on ICOMOS experts’ evaluations of colonial sites," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 204(3), pages 425-456, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:pubcho:v:204:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s11127-024-01248-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s11127-024-01248-z
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H87 - Public Economics - - Miscellaneous Issues - - - International Fiscal Issues; International Public Goods
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • F53 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Agreements and Observance; International Organizations
    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations
    • Z11 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economics of the Arts and Literature
    • L15 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Information and Product Quality

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