The Trade in Art, Fine Art, Antiques and Antiquities and...

The trade in art, fine art, antiques and antiquities is not portrayed as a violent crime or illicit market and generally does not come off as a threat to international security. However, because of the large, increasing demand for antiquities, politically unstable source nations rich with cultural artifacts are exploited, prompting illicit activity in the clandestine art world, which is becoming an increasing concern. Terrorist organizations profit from the large financial volume of such low risk, high profit illicit activities and engage in cultural erosion that leaves the source nations weak in cultural identity. This in turn, allows terrorist groups the advantage of pursuing and shaping ideological notions in such volatile nations. The illicit, clandestine art market is also a unique market in which to create backdoor channels to organized crime, weapon trafficking and narcotic smuggling trade routes. The art market is attracting attention due to some of the recent, notably high sales prices; unfortunately, such a profitable return rate from art sales provides enticement for terrorist groups to participate. The link of terrorism turns the subject of cultural property from a disputable matter in foreign relations to a matter with significant implications pertaining to international security. Local laborers, eager to provide a living for their family, have no qualms about looting cultural artifacts and selling them to make a profit. The network between laborers, dealers,