Globalism & Archeology (Duckworth Debates in Archaeology)

Buddhas blown up in Afghanistan, the looting of the National Museum in Iraq - what do these events have in common? They involve the destruction of archaeological remains. The underlying cause behind all types of destruction is globalisation, in which archaeology plays a central role: cultural tourism relating to archaeology has fuelled the demand for long-distance transportation; archaeological sites are the subject of many popular media broadcasts, which in turn fuel trade in licit and illicit antiquities. In this concise polemical book Gillian Wallace argues that archaeology has been overlooked not only in its role in globalisation, but also as a powerful resource in combating its negative aspects. Archaeological investigations can create long-lasting skills and self-sufficient communities in the developed and developing world. As such, archaeology is not just the means to learn about past societies, but also a formidable tool in development.