| From 1933-45, under the control of Nazi forces, Europe experienced the greatest cultural looting of modern history. Through a chronological analysis of international restitution, this thesis looks at the collective efforts of governments to date and analyzes the effectiveness of their individual efforts at restitution. Within the current system of restitution, the recovery of Nazi looted art is nearly impossible. This thesis asserts the need for a legally binding international agreement regarding the restitution of Nazi looted art, then proposes a solution in the form of a three-part multinational treaty. Support for this assertion is demonstrated through a discussion of international action immediately following the war, present efforts of the European Union and United States, and international agreements currently in place. In recognition of the shortcomings of international efforts to date, this thesis proves an American approach and advances the proposition that more needs to be done. |
