When the Past is Present: The International Relations Impacts of Cultural Artifact Repatriation Decisions

Abstract

While the repatriation of cultural artifacts misappropriated during the colonial era has garnered increasing media attention, rigorous academic inquiry into its foreign relations implications remains limited. This research addresses this gap by analyzing repatriation decisions concerning artifacts held in national collections in the Netherlands, Great Britain, France, Belgium, and Germany. The key findings reveal that repatriation decisions do not substantially affect bilateral relations with the countries from which the artifacts originated. In addition, while domestic political considerations play a role in decisions to repatriate artifacts, they are insufficient to explain the complexities of these decisions fully. This research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the motivations and consequences of cultural repatriation in the postcolonial world.

Disciplines

International Relations | Political Science

Subject Area

International relations; Political science

Department

International Relations (INR)

First Advisor

Shaw, Jeffrey M.

Second Advisor

Giannakos, Symeon A

Third Advisor

Ilunga, Yvan Y.

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Ph.D.

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