The Power of Broken Pieces: Unpacking the Complexity of Post-Conflict Heritage

In the pursuit of 'ruthless criticism' (Smith, 2020, 25) towards the assumptions about the essence of heritage and its practices (Smith, 2006), critical heritage studies aim to uncover the intricacies of managing post-conflict heritage. Two significant cases, Japan's World War II heritage sites and Cambodia's nationally endorsed heritage sites, exemplify the challenges of positioning victims in post-conflict narratives.

In Japan, World War II heritage sites often obscure the nature of Japanese culpability and instead emphasize narratives of Japanese victimhood regarding the use of atomic bombs. This concern is particularly relevant for countries occupied by Japan during the war, as it diminishes their experiences and suffering. On the other hand, Cambodia's nationally endorsed heritage sites present a focused narrative that exonerates many who participated in Khmer Rouge atrocities, thereby preventing millions of citizens from receiving closure.

The management of post-conflict heritage in both cases was shaped by powerful forces prioritizing stability over justice and reconciliation for the victims. This has resulted in the marginalization of those affected by conflict and genocide. The intersection of heritage and reconciliation in post-conflict environments is complex and multifaceted, as it requires balancing the needs of aggrieved individuals with broader concerns for building stable post-conflict environments.

Using case studies from Cambodia and Japan, this chapter delves into the tensions between reconciliation, justice, and peace for those affected by conflict and genocide. It highlights the importance of critically examining the management of post-conflict heritage to ensure that it acknowledges the experiences and suffering of victims, ultimately promoting a more comprehensive understanding of the past.

By acknowledging the complexities of managing post-conflict heritage, we can work towards creating more inclusive narratives that recognize the victimhood of all parties involved. This is crucial for fostering reconciliation, justice, and peace in post-conflict environments, as it enables individuals to find closure and healing through a deeper understanding of their shared history.

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