27 Feb: Antarctic Geopolitics: Past, Present and Future

The Antarctic Treaty (1959) was negotiated and entered into force during a period of significant geopolitical tension. The Antarctic Treaty and the "system" of complementary instruments, institutions and decision-making process has successfully managed a key region of the globe as "a natural reserve devoted to peace and science". In this presentation we consider insights from a five-year research project "Geopolitical Change and the Antarctic Treaty System". We explore concerns over increased geopolitical tension in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean and suggest options for management of these tensions.