The Politicisation of Archaeology in Border Demarcation Conflict in the Asia Pacific Region

Abstract

ABSTRACT Within contemporary developments of Asian regional security, a core undertone of conflict catalysts and motivations for territorial claims is directly motivated through archaeological findings. These findings include artefacts and settlements, which are utilised to justify political and territorial claims in the region. This overlooked factor will be analysed using three regional case studies through an archaeological and security studies lens. The research aims to further understand Asia Pacific regional security and political disputes and reflect conflict motivation undertones of each interacting nation-state. The article assesses core case studies of Chinese claims in the South China Sea, Japanese and Korean island claims, and Thai-Cambodian temple disputes. The research will analyse how site evidence becomes politicised to justify territorial claims in Asia- Pacific. Through interdisciplinary research, the article will conclude with a greater understanding of assessing conflict development and motivations between state actors in the Asia Pacific region.