The Old Summer Palace and the Rhetoric of National Treasures

A critical analysis of the Old Summer Palace reveals how its designation as a national treasure is constructed through rhetorical strategies, shaping its cultural and legal significance. The study examines how narratives surrounding the site's historical value influence its preservation and public perception, highlighting tensions between heritage conservation and political discourse. Gillman employs discourse analysis to dissect official documents, legal texts, and media representations, uncovering the ideological underpinnings of its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This approach underscores the interplay between cultural memory, national identity, and the instrumentalization of heritage for political ends.

Gillman, D. (2019). The Old Summer Palace and the Rhetoric of National Treasures. Santander Art and Culture Law Review, 5(2), 233–244. https://doi.org/10.4467/2450050xsnr.19.022.11570