Thawing the ice: a contemporary solution to Antarctic sovereignty

Abstract

The Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) has provided a peaceful framework for governing the continent over many decades, in spite of seven extant territorial claims. However, its method of freezing these claims has been criticised for being short-sighted and ineffective in providing a long-term solution. This paper argues to the contrary. It undertakes a brisk analysis of different categories of alternatives: global commons, absolute sovereignty, restricted sovereignty and shared sovereignty. After dismissing each category for various reasons, it promotes the reform of the existing ATS, in which a long-term vision and modified chairmanship structure provide stronger leadership and more effective implementation. Essentially, it holds that the primary reason there is criticism of the system is because it is not functioning as well as it might be. The paper not only contends that a developed ATS is an achievable aim, but that it could eventually develop into a restricted, shared sovereignty governance framework. That form of governance, which would emerge over time, could be a more durable solution that resolves the competing territorial claims. In this way, the paper charts a potential pathway for the future of Antarctic governance. This path begins, however, with a reformed ATS.

How to Perceive National Governance Networks in the Global Commons of the Earth’s Surface: A Case Study of the Antarctic

“…The interests of each subject are different, making it difficult to achieve a win-win situation [6]. The Antarctic region is the common wealth of all mankind, and the overall interests are to be realized within the framework of limiting the sovereignty of states [7][8][9]. Second, subjects have different perceptions.…”