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Pierre Losson

City College of New York, CUNY Dominican Studies Institute, Associate Director

Graduate Center of the City University of New York, Political Science, Department Member

Columbia University, Italian Academy for Advanced Studies in America, Post-Doc

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Book: "The Return of Cultural Heritage to Latin America: Nationalism, Politics, and Policy in Colombia, Mexico, and Peru" (Routledge, 2022).

Most recent article: “Opening Pandora’s Box: Will the Return of Cultural Heritage Objects to Their Country of Origin Empty Western Museums?” in The Journal of Arts Management, Law, and Society (July 2021).

Op-ed: « La France s’honorerait en proposant de rendre au Nigeria les bronzes du Bénin qu’elle possède » in Le Monde (May 6, 2021)

Italian Academy of Columbia University fellow, fall 2020.

Pierre Losson graduated in international relations from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques of Strasbourg (France), holds an MA in Arts Administration from University of Lyon (France), an MA in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from Florida International University, and a PhD in political science from The Graduate Center, CUNY. His dissertation examined the claims for the return of cultural heritage objects to Colombia, Mexico, and Peru.

He has held several positions in French cultural centers in Mexico City (Mexico) and Lima (Peru), where he has lived for ten years in total. He is the Associate Director of the Dominican Studies Institute at City College - CUNY and has taught at Hunter College – CUNY, Lehman College – CUNY, and Yeshiva University. His research focuses on the return and restitution of cultural heritage objects as well as cultural policy in Latin America.
Address: New York, NY

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University of California, Santa Barbara

National University of "Kyiv-Mohyla Academy"

Benjamin Isakhan

Deakin University

Lancaster University

University of California, Davis

University of Helsinki

Armando Marques-Guedes

UNL - New University of Lisbon

Kathryn LaFevers Evans, Three Eagles

Pacifica Graduate Institute

Francesca Silvestrelli

University of Salento

Laurajane Smith

The Australian National University

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Books by Pierre Losson

El Retorno del Patrimonio Cultural a América Latina. Nacionalismo, Normas y Política en Colombia, México y Perú

Fondo de Cultura Económica, 2024

Este libro profundiza en la problemática de los reclamos de restitución de objetos de patrimonio ... more

The Return of Cultural Heritage to Latin America: Nationalism, Politics, and Policy in Colombia, Mexico, and Peru

Routledge, 2022

The Return of Cultural Heritage to Latin America takes a new approach to the question of returns ... more The Return of Cultural Heritage to Latin America takes a new approach to the question of returns and restitutions. It is the first publication to look at the domestic politics of claiming countries in order to understand who supports the claims and why. Drawing on analysis of articles published in national newspapers and archival documents and interviews with individuals involved in return claims, the book demonstrates that such claims are inherently political. Focusing on Colombia, Mexico, and Peru, the book analyses how return claims contribute to the strengthening of state-sponsored discourses on the nation; the policy formation process that leads to the formulation of return claims; and who the main actors of the claims are, including civil society individuals, experts, state authorities, and Indigenous communities. The book proposes explanations for why Latin American countries are interested in specific objects held in Western museums and why these claims have come to light over the past three decades. The Return of Cultural Heritage to Latin America argues that return claims ought to be the object of public debate, allowing contemporary societies to address the legacy of colonialism.

Peer-reviewed journal articles by Pierre Losson

“Opening Pandora’s Box: Will the Return of Cultural Heritage Objects to Their Country of Origin Empty Western Museums?”

The Journal of Arts Management, Law, and Society, 2021

The fear of setting a precedent is a much-rehearsed argument used by Western museums to refuse th... more The fear of setting a precedent is a much-rehearsed argument used by Western museums to refuse the return of cultural heritage objects to their country of origin. After proposing to consistently distinguish among returns, restitutions, and repatriations as distinct phenomena, the article details three reasons that contradict this fear of setting a precedent: as each case is historically situated, one agreement is not easily transposable to other cases; the current practice of returns does not suggest that massive transfers are looming; and, most importantly, there is no will or plan, among experts and political authorities in claiming countries, to ask for massive returns. In turn, the fear of setting a precedent does open questions about the future museums: are universal museums at risk of disappearing? The museum as an institution is hardly at risk, as objects returned to another country will continue to live in the world of museums. Western universal museums should see return claims as an opportunity to rethink their mission and relations with other museums worldwide rather than a threat.

The Inscription of Qhapaq Ñan on UNESCO’s World Heritage List: A Comparative Perspective from the Daily Press in six Latin American Countries

International Journal of Heritage Studies, 2017

In June 2014, UNESCO inscribed the Andean roadway system Qhapaq Ñan on the World Heritage List, t... more In June 2014, UNESCO inscribed the Andean roadway system Qhapaq Ñan on the World Heritage List, the first time six countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru) had submitted a petition in common for the same cultural site. The article reviews ninety articles published in prominent Latin American newspapers and concludes that an average reader is likely to have been largely misinformed on the complexity of issued involved in the inscription of a cultural site on the World Heritage List (WHL). Newspapers showed little eagerness to present a diversity of opinions to their readers, rarely conducting their own investigation among the local communities along Qhapaq Ñan. True to what could be expected from a media landscape that favors a ‘market-driven’ form of journalism, newspapers eschewed most topics of controversy and showed a low level of autonomy from official discourses. They largely relayed the authorized heritage discourse that favors expert and official declarations and emphasizes monumentality over contemporary and alternative practices related to heritage. The commodification of heritage through the development of the tourism industry is of greater concern for these publications than technical considerations about conservation or the participation of local communities (whose voices are silenced) in the listing process.

Does the International Trafficking of Cultural Heritage Really Fuel Military Conflicts?

Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, Aug 12, 2016

General media outlets are increasingly arguing that the looting of cultural heritage artifacts co... more General media outlets are increasingly arguing that the looting of cultural heritage artifacts contributes to the funding of terrorist groups such as ISIS. This article in 'Studies in Conflict & Terrorism' reexamines this claim in light of the political science literature on internal conflicts duration. While we do know that armed conflicts contribute to an increase of looting activities in the territories at war, it is still too early to generalize the ISIS case and conclude that these activities contribute to significantly funding armed non-state actors and to prolonging internal armed conflicts. However, establishing this link may add political weight to archeologist's and art historian's efforts to curb the international trafficking of looted objects.

The Creation of a Ministry of Culture: Towards the Definition and Implementation of a Comprehensive Cultural Policy in Peru

International Journal of Cultural Policy, Jan 2013

In June 2010, a Ministry of Culture was created in Peru, raising many questions regarding the abi... more In June 2010, a Ministry of Culture was created in Peru, raising many questions regarding the ability of this new administrative structure to effectively implement a comprehensive cultural policy, which has been lacking so far, for the Peruvian State has based its previous policies almost exclusively on the preservation of cultural heritage. The Ministry inherits the flaws of the National Institute of Culture, and must address various challenges: the improvement of heritage management; the inclusion of indigenous populations in a never established national identity; a renewed scheme of promotion of the arts and incentives to cultural industries. The article discusses possible policy options for the new ministry, evidences the needs for a renovation of bureaucratic culture within the ministry, for clarification in the objectives set to the Ministry and for more comprehensive data about cultural practices in Peru.

Artes Escénicas en el Perú: Mejorar el Conocimiento del Medio para Asesorar la Elaboración de Políticas Públicas

Revista Argumentos, Jul 25, 2013

Los retos son numerosos y concomitantes para el Ministerio de Cultura en Peru: debe consolidarse ... more Los retos son numerosos y concomitantes para el Ministerio de Cultura en Peru: debe consolidarse como entidad administrativa, comprobar que es capaz de escapar al burocratismo que desacreditó al INC, analizar la situación y formular políticas, implementarlas y obtener resultados rápidamente para justificar su propia existencia en los ojos de los que lo ven como una capa adicional e innecesaria de burocracia. El sentido profundo de nuestro estudio es fomentar el interés en el tema de las políticas culturales y de la gestión cultural en el Perú dentro del mundo académico y, más allá, en los círculos de los que deciden la definición e implementación de las políticas públicas en el país. Esta investigación está basada en la firme convicción de que sólo un conocimiento profundo y detallado de las prácticas culturales y artísticas en el Perú permitirá el desarrollo de políticas públicas eficientes: por ejemplo, solo la recaudación de datos precisos permitirá la implementación de políticas de apoyo eficientes a las artes escénicas en el país. El Perú representa para el mundo académico una oportunidad de profundizar y, posiblemente, revisar las teorías establecidas sobre la economía de la cultura y las políticas culturales: en efecto, la gran mayoría de la literatura académica a nivel mundial se enfoca en los países europeos, norteamericanos y ocasionalmente Australia y Japón. El Perú representa una oportunidad para investigadores interesados en confrontar estas teorías con las realidades de países emergentes.

De "No Se Lo Digas a Nadie" a "Contracorriente": Representaciones de la Homosexualidad en el Cine Peruano Contemporáneo

El Ojo que Piensa, Jan 25, 2012

Dos películas de mayor relevancia para la cinematografía peruana contemporánea, No se lo digas a ... more Dos películas de mayor relevancia para la cinematografía peruana contemporánea, No se lo digas a nadie (Francisco Lombardi, 1998) y Contracorriente (Javier Fuentes-León, 2009), abordan el tema de la homosexualidad masculina. El artículo examina los cambios y las permanencias en el discurso y la representación de la homosexualidad entre ambas películas, estrenadas en Lima a doce años de distancia. En particular, se enfoca a los temas de la afirmación y la representación de la identidad homosexual en la sociedad peruana; la hipocresía social frente a la afirmación pública de la homosexualidad; el exilio queer como instrumento de huida temporal y espacial que permite vivir la identidad sexual; finalmente, el paralelismo entre conflictos sexuales y sociales.

Book Reviews by Pierre Losson

Book review of Cynthia Scott's "Cultural Diplomacy and the Heritage of Empire: Negotiating Post-Colonial Returns" (London; New York: Routledge, 2020; 202 p

International Journal of Cultural Property, 2021

This book review argues that Scott's book represents an important addition to the literature on r... more This book review argues that Scott's book represents an important addition to the literature on returns and restitution of cultural heritage objects for at least two reasons: first, it focuses on a seldom-explored case study (the return of archives and cultural objects to Indonesia from the Netherlands in the 1970s); second, it takes an original approach to the question of returns, as the author explores the political process that led to the returns rather than questions of ownership, as much of the literature does.

Miscellaneous by Pierre Losson

Reparation or Perpetuation? Physical and Symbolic Violence in Restitutions of Cultural Heritage

Social Science Research Council, 2022

Pierre Losson considers how artifact restitution from museums can repair structural violence to w... more Pierre Losson considers how artifact restitution from museums can repair structural violence to which nations and communities have been subjected—but can also engage in new forms of the same dynamics in the present. Returns reflect changing perceptions of museums and a reckoning with their roles in producing imperialist knowledge. Still, such restitutions are not simple processes, as Losson shows: One key question is, to whom are objects returned? And how do returns interrelate with nationalist dynamics and local politics?

Comentario sobre el artículo "Superando las dicotomías (…)" de Giancarlo Marcone Flores para la revista Chungara

Chungara Revista de Antropología Chilena, 2019

El artículo de Giancarlo Marcone Flores plantea una cuestión sumamente importante en el mundo aca... more El artículo de Giancarlo Marcone Flores plantea una cuestión sumamente importante en el mundo académico: la de la posicionalidad del autor. ¿Desde qué perspectiva escribe uno? ¿Cuál es la relación del autor con las personas, los lugares y los fenómenos que estudia? ¿Cómo llegan éstos a ser datos en los que se basa uno para preparar su análisis? ¿Cómo, últimamente, contribuyen a qué el autor formule una opinión? En otras palabras, ¿cómo se define la relación sujeto-objeto (y quién es quién)?

Teaching documents by Pierre Losson

Pierre Losson - Syllabus - Cultural Policy & The Politics of Culture (Hunter College, Spring 2018)

Syllabus for the class "Cultural Policy & The Politics of Culture", Hunter College, Department of... more

Opinion columns and general press articles by Pierre Losson

At Last, Colombia Demands the Return of Its San Agustín Statues

Hyperallergic, 2023

After decades of inaction, the Colombian government is demanding the repatriation of the ancient ... more

« La France s’honorerait en proposant de rendre au Nigeria les bronzes du Bénin qu’elle possède »

by Pierre Losson and Felicity Bodenstein

Le Monde, 2021

Les chercheurs Pierre Losson et Felicity Bodenstein estiment que Paris « marque le pas dans sa vo... more

The political stakes of the return of cultural heritage objects to Africa

May the publication of the Sarr-Savoy report usher into a new era in the practice of returns and ... more

Restitutions du patrimoine africain : outils de construction nationale et enjeux politiques internes à chaque pays réclamant

Le rapport Sarr-Savoy augure peut-être d'une ère nouvelle dans la pratique des restitutions d'obj... more

El Retorno del Patrimonio Cultural a América Latina. Nacionalismo, Normas y Política en Colombia, México y Perú

Fondo de Cultura Económica, 2024

Este libro profundiza en la problemática de los reclamos de restitución de objetos de patrimonio ... more

The Return of Cultural Heritage to Latin America: Nationalism, Politics, and Policy in Colombia, Mexico, and Peru

Routledge, 2022

The Return of Cultural Heritage to Latin America takes a new approach to the question of returns ... more The Return of Cultural Heritage to Latin America takes a new approach to the question of returns and restitutions. It is the first publication to look at the domestic politics of claiming countries in order to understand who supports the claims and why. Drawing on analysis of articles published in national newspapers and archival documents and interviews with individuals involved in return claims, the book demonstrates that such claims are inherently political. Focusing on Colombia, Mexico, and Peru, the book analyses how return claims contribute to the strengthening of state-sponsored discourses on the nation; the policy formation process that leads to the formulation of return claims; and who the main actors of the claims are, including civil society individuals, experts, state authorities, and Indigenous communities. The book proposes explanations for why Latin American countries are interested in specific objects held in Western museums and why these claims have come to light over the past three decades. The Return of Cultural Heritage to Latin America argues that return claims ought to be the object of public debate, allowing contemporary societies to address the legacy of colonialism.

“Opening Pandora’s Box: Will the Return of Cultural Heritage Objects to Their Country of Origin Empty Western Museums?”

The Journal of Arts Management, Law, and Society, 2021

The fear of setting a precedent is a much-rehearsed argument used by Western museums to refuse th... more The fear of setting a precedent is a much-rehearsed argument used by Western museums to refuse the return of cultural heritage objects to their country of origin. After proposing to consistently distinguish among returns, restitutions, and repatriations as distinct phenomena, the article details three reasons that contradict this fear of setting a precedent: as each case is historically situated, one agreement is not easily transposable to other cases; the current practice of returns does not suggest that massive transfers are looming; and, most importantly, there is no will or plan, among experts and political authorities in claiming countries, to ask for massive returns. In turn, the fear of setting a precedent does open questions about the future museums: are universal museums at risk of disappearing? The museum as an institution is hardly at risk, as objects returned to another country will continue to live in the world of museums. Western universal museums should see return claims as an opportunity to rethink their mission and relations with other museums worldwide rather than a threat.

The Inscription of Qhapaq Ñan on UNESCO’s World Heritage List: A Comparative Perspective from the Daily Press in six Latin American Countries

International Journal of Heritage Studies, 2017

In June 2014, UNESCO inscribed the Andean roadway system Qhapaq Ñan on the World Heritage List, t... more In June 2014, UNESCO inscribed the Andean roadway system Qhapaq Ñan on the World Heritage List, the first time six countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru) had submitted a petition in common for the same cultural site. The article reviews ninety articles published in prominent Latin American newspapers and concludes that an average reader is likely to have been largely misinformed on the complexity of issued involved in the inscription of a cultural site on the World Heritage List (WHL). Newspapers showed little eagerness to present a diversity of opinions to their readers, rarely conducting their own investigation among the local communities along Qhapaq Ñan. True to what could be expected from a media landscape that favors a ‘market-driven’ form of journalism, newspapers eschewed most topics of controversy and showed a low level of autonomy from official discourses. They largely relayed the authorized heritage discourse that favors expert and official declarations and emphasizes monumentality over contemporary and alternative practices related to heritage. The commodification of heritage through the development of the tourism industry is of greater concern for these publications than technical considerations about conservation or the participation of local communities (whose voices are silenced) in the listing process.

Does the International Trafficking of Cultural Heritage Really Fuel Military Conflicts?

Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, Aug 12, 2016

General media outlets are increasingly arguing that the looting of cultural heritage artifacts co... more General media outlets are increasingly arguing that the looting of cultural heritage artifacts contributes to the funding of terrorist groups such as ISIS. This article in 'Studies in Conflict & Terrorism' reexamines this claim in light of the political science literature on internal conflicts duration. While we do know that armed conflicts contribute to an increase of looting activities in the territories at war, it is still too early to generalize the ISIS case and conclude that these activities contribute to significantly funding armed non-state actors and to prolonging internal armed conflicts. However, establishing this link may add political weight to archeologist's and art historian's efforts to curb the international trafficking of looted objects.

The Creation of a Ministry of Culture: Towards the Definition and Implementation of a Comprehensive Cultural Policy in Peru

International Journal of Cultural Policy, Jan 2013

In June 2010, a Ministry of Culture was created in Peru, raising many questions regarding the abi... more In June 2010, a Ministry of Culture was created in Peru, raising many questions regarding the ability of this new administrative structure to effectively implement a comprehensive cultural policy, which has been lacking so far, for the Peruvian State has based its previous policies almost exclusively on the preservation of cultural heritage. The Ministry inherits the flaws of the National Institute of Culture, and must address various challenges: the improvement of heritage management; the inclusion of indigenous populations in a never established national identity; a renewed scheme of promotion of the arts and incentives to cultural industries. The article discusses possible policy options for the new ministry, evidences the needs for a renovation of bureaucratic culture within the ministry, for clarification in the objectives set to the Ministry and for more comprehensive data about cultural practices in Peru.

Artes Escénicas en el Perú: Mejorar el Conocimiento del Medio para Asesorar la Elaboración de Políticas Públicas

Revista Argumentos, Jul 25, 2013

Los retos son numerosos y concomitantes para el Ministerio de Cultura en Peru: debe consolidarse ... more Los retos son numerosos y concomitantes para el Ministerio de Cultura en Peru: debe consolidarse como entidad administrativa, comprobar que es capaz de escapar al burocratismo que desacreditó al INC, analizar la situación y formular políticas, implementarlas y obtener resultados rápidamente para justificar su propia existencia en los ojos de los que lo ven como una capa adicional e innecesaria de burocracia. El sentido profundo de nuestro estudio es fomentar el interés en el tema de las políticas culturales y de la gestión cultural en el Perú dentro del mundo académico y, más allá, en los círculos de los que deciden la definición e implementación de las políticas públicas en el país. Esta investigación está basada en la firme convicción de que sólo un conocimiento profundo y detallado de las prácticas culturales y artísticas en el Perú permitirá el desarrollo de políticas públicas eficientes: por ejemplo, solo la recaudación de datos precisos permitirá la implementación de políticas de apoyo eficientes a las artes escénicas en el país. El Perú representa para el mundo académico una oportunidad de profundizar y, posiblemente, revisar las teorías establecidas sobre la economía de la cultura y las políticas culturales: en efecto, la gran mayoría de la literatura académica a nivel mundial se enfoca en los países europeos, norteamericanos y ocasionalmente Australia y Japón. El Perú representa una oportunidad para investigadores interesados en confrontar estas teorías con las realidades de países emergentes.

De "No Se Lo Digas a Nadie" a "Contracorriente": Representaciones de la Homosexualidad en el Cine Peruano Contemporáneo

El Ojo que Piensa, Jan 25, 2012

Dos películas de mayor relevancia para la cinematografía peruana contemporánea, No se lo digas a ... more Dos películas de mayor relevancia para la cinematografía peruana contemporánea, No se lo digas a nadie (Francisco Lombardi, 1998) y Contracorriente (Javier Fuentes-León, 2009), abordan el tema de la homosexualidad masculina. El artículo examina los cambios y las permanencias en el discurso y la representación de la homosexualidad entre ambas películas, estrenadas en Lima a doce años de distancia. En particular, se enfoca a los temas de la afirmación y la representación de la identidad homosexual en la sociedad peruana; la hipocresía social frente a la afirmación pública de la homosexualidad; el exilio queer como instrumento de huida temporal y espacial que permite vivir la identidad sexual; finalmente, el paralelismo entre conflictos sexuales y sociales.

Book review of Cynthia Scott's "Cultural Diplomacy and the Heritage of Empire: Negotiating Post-Colonial Returns" (London; New York: Routledge, 2020; 202 p

International Journal of Cultural Property, 2021

This book review argues that Scott's book represents an important addition to the literature on r... more This book review argues that Scott's book represents an important addition to the literature on returns and restitution of cultural heritage objects for at least two reasons: first, it focuses on a seldom-explored case study (the return of archives and cultural objects to Indonesia from the Netherlands in the 1970s); second, it takes an original approach to the question of returns, as the author explores the political process that led to the returns rather than questions of ownership, as much of the literature does.

Reparation or Perpetuation? Physical and Symbolic Violence in Restitutions of Cultural Heritage

Social Science Research Council, 2022

Pierre Losson considers how artifact restitution from museums can repair structural violence to w... more Pierre Losson considers how artifact restitution from museums can repair structural violence to which nations and communities have been subjected—but can also engage in new forms of the same dynamics in the present. Returns reflect changing perceptions of museums and a reckoning with their roles in producing imperialist knowledge. Still, such restitutions are not simple processes, as Losson shows: One key question is, to whom are objects returned? And how do returns interrelate with nationalist dynamics and local politics?

Comentario sobre el artículo "Superando las dicotomías (…)" de Giancarlo Marcone Flores para la revista Chungara

Chungara Revista de Antropología Chilena, 2019

El artículo de Giancarlo Marcone Flores plantea una cuestión sumamente importante en el mundo aca... more El artículo de Giancarlo Marcone Flores plantea una cuestión sumamente importante en el mundo académico: la de la posicionalidad del autor. ¿Desde qué perspectiva escribe uno? ¿Cuál es la relación del autor con las personas, los lugares y los fenómenos que estudia? ¿Cómo llegan éstos a ser datos en los que se basa uno para preparar su análisis? ¿Cómo, últimamente, contribuyen a qué el autor formule una opinión? En otras palabras, ¿cómo se define la relación sujeto-objeto (y quién es quién)?

Pierre Losson - Syllabus - Cultural Policy & The Politics of Culture (Hunter College, Spring 2018)

Syllabus for the class "Cultural Policy & The Politics of Culture", Hunter College, Department of... more

At Last, Colombia Demands the Return of Its San Agustín Statues

Hyperallergic, 2023

After decades of inaction, the Colombian government is demanding the repatriation of the ancient ... more

« La France s’honorerait en proposant de rendre au Nigeria les bronzes du Bénin qu’elle possède »

by Pierre Losson and Felicity Bodenstein

Le Monde, 2021

Les chercheurs Pierre Losson et Felicity Bodenstein estiment que Paris « marque le pas dans sa vo... more

The political stakes of the return of cultural heritage objects to Africa

May the publication of the Sarr-Savoy report usher into a new era in the practice of returns and ... more

Restitutions du patrimoine africain : outils de construction nationale et enjeux politiques internes à chaque pays réclamant

Le rapport Sarr-Savoy augure peut-être d'une ère nouvelle dans la pratique des restitutions d'obj... more