Local Destruction, Global Resonance A critical analysis of the international response to the destruction of cultural property in Timbuktu, Mali in 2012

Abstract

The destruction of cultural property in conflict areas has been a recurring theme throughout history. In modern conflicts, which are characterized by more complex, asymmetrical warfare, our ideas of these destructions have been challenged. Terrorist groups nowadays do not only intend to destroy symbols that do not correspond with their faith, but place these destructions within their ‘global propaganda’ of shock and awe.

This thesis tries to answer the following question: To which extent is the interpretation of the destruction of Timbuktu in July 2012 by the international community obstructed by a sole focus on Islamic terrorism and how can that be explained? By using the case study of the destruction of multiple mausoleums and shrines in Timbuktu, Mali, this thesis wants to show that in multiple fields, international politics (ex. UN, UNESCO), and international law (the ICC case against Ahmad al-Faqi al-Mahdi), the narrative of global propaganda is taken over by the international community, which leads to a sole focus on Islamic fundamentalism that distracts from the more multi-faceted explanations to the conflict in Mali.