Economic globalization and international economic governance have spurred a more intense dialogue and interaction among nations – potentially promoting cultural diversity and providing the funds to recover and preserve cultural heritage of nations. However, these phenomena can also jeopardize cultural heritage. While trade in cultural products can lead to cultural diversity, if it is imbalanced, it can lead to cultural homogenization. In parallel, foreign direct investments in the extraction of natural resources have the ultimate capacity of changing cultural landscapes. At the same time, the increase in global trade, economic integration and foreign direct investment has determined the creation of legally binding and highly effective regimes that demand states to promote and facilitate trade and foreign direct investment. Does the existing legal framework adequately protect cultural heritage vis-à-vis economic globalization?

Aims: This research project aims to investigate whether and how international law and European Union (EU) law govern cultural phenomena and respond to the challenges posed by economic globalization.