THE ROLE OF ACTORS IN THE SECURITIZATION PROCESS OF MYANMAR'S CULTURAL HERITAGE

Abstract

Background. The 21st century has seen a growing interest in the protection of cultural heritage by individuals, governments, and international organizations. Such efforts are highly volatile given the impact of globalization and modernization on cultural heritage among various communities around the world.

Methods. The author used the principles of constructivism with the application of general scientific and special research methods, in particular: systemic, comparative and structural-functional methods, analysis of documents and primary sources, case studies and media analysis.

Results. The activities of actors in the securitization of Myanmar's cultural heritage, each with their own interests, methods, and level of influence, are outlined and analyzed. Both the key groups of actors involved in the preservation and protection process, as well as the challenges and conflicts between the interests of different actors, are identified.

Conclusions. It is established that the securitization of Myanmar's cultural heritage is a response to complex threats. The extension of the concept of "security" to cultural heritage in Myanmar is due to both internal (ethnic conflicts, political instability, illegal activities) and external (historical heritage as an object of claims, potential conflicts over cultural values) factors. The state's need for international cooperation for the effective preservation of cultural heritage also remains acute: financial, technical and expert international assistance, taking into account the scale of the challenges and limited resources, remains critically important for the effective preservation of the cultural heritage of this country.

Keywords: Myanmar, security, securitization, identity, cultural heritage, UNESCO, Buddhism, Rohingya.