Analysis of Factors Affecting the Protection of Cultural Heritage in War --Taking the Second World War as an Example

On the issue of cultural heritage protection, there has been little systematic research on the subject in the past. At the same time, the importance of cultural heritage protection is self-evident. Therefore, from a political science point of view, why are some cultural heritages protected in wars while others are destroyed? In response to this question, this paper attempts to explain the factors affecting the protection and destruction of cultural heritage in war, and argues for the protection of cultural heritage in four different paths, including three factors, using specific battles in the Second World War as examples. The factors influencing the protection of cultural heritage are categorised into a military and a political level, where the military level, which is prioritised, is where the subjective estimation of the power contrasts and whether cultural heritage is used for military purposes directly affects the protection of cultural heritage, and the political level where political considerations at home and abroad are the influencing factors. Only when these factors work together and favour protection, cultural heritage can be protected from destruction.