Antiquities Coalition and Raphael Lemkin Society Initiative to Counter the Weaponization of Cultural Heritage

The Raphael Lemkin Society and The Antiquities Coalition joined forces to help NATO counter the weaponization of cultural heritage.

The initiative brings together an interdisciplinary group of experts from NATO member states and partner countries, including representatives of the military, intelligence services, law enforcement agencies, the legal community, and cultural heritage protection specialists. Its immediate goal is to create a sustainable platform for research, cooperation, and training to address this growing security threat.

The program began in 2025 with a research workshop in Italy, supported by NATO’s Science for Peace and Security Programme. The two-day event focused on an important case study: how Russia advances its military and political objectives in Ukraine and beyond by exploiting cultural heritage, including through cultural looting and the destruction of monuments, disinformation campaigns, and sanctions evasion through abuse of the art market.

From November 7 to 9, 2025, 35 leading experts from 11 NATO and partner countries gathered in Bassano del Grappa, Italy, to examine how the Kremlin has integrated cultural heritage into its broader campaign of aggression. Through expert panels, thematic discussions, and strategic sessions, participants reviewed existing legal and policy mechanisms for response and shared Ukraine’s practical experience. Importantly, they also identified concrete steps to strengthen protection, improve coordination, and address gaps in cooperation among military structures, law enforcement agencies, and policy institutions. The dialogue underscored the need for deeper transatlantic cooperation and laid the groundwork for further joint action