| The 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict was created after the looting and destruction of cultural heritage during WWII. Although it is one of the most important agreements in the international field, many problems have arisen that prevent it from reaching its true potential. By analyzing the Balkan Crisis in Yugoslavia in the 1990s and the invasion of Iraq in 2003, many of the most pertinent issues can be brought to discussion. These conflicts illuminated weaknesses of the Convention, but also clarified points of strength, proving that the Convention is a solid base that should be improved upon. This thesis will propose that a third protocol be created. By improving four areas of the Convention—education, prevention, protection and prosecution—it can take a more powerful role in the international field and can truly protect cultural property from harm. |
