When cultural heritage belongs to States and experts. a critical analysis of Unesco’s norm diffusion
Our idea of heritage is related to certain principles of which some international agencies such as Unesco are promoters. These principles have to do with defending the “intrinsic” value of cultural heritage based on universalist justifications. This article seeks to show that legitimized readings of cultural legacy tend to promote visions that homogenize international discussions in this matter. Furthermore, it will be seen how the game rules in heritage are unilaterally produced by States and technocratic networks. From the above, a question arises regarding the possibilities of harmonizing a one-way narrative of heritage with the Sustainable Development Goals. The analysis strategies are, on the one hand, offering a panoramic view of the most relevant literature on heritage. On the other hand, to propose how, based on a genealogical methodology, power relations in heritage discourse can be exposed. Finally, in the last section I propose to clarify the relationship between the protection of cultural heritage and their compliance with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.