Non-militarisation of Antarctica: Geopolitical Foundations and Challenges

Antarctica is often thought of as immune from geopolitical tensions over military matters. If we examine the last 60 years since signing of the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, we might conclude that the risk of militarisation in Antarctica remains low. However, during the first half of the twentieth-century Antarctica was not free of military activity. While the Antarctic Treaty has succeeded in sparing the continent from military conflict to date, there is potential for growing tensions in the wider international system to spill into the Antarctic region. This chapter therefore describes the geopolitical pressures in the Antarctic region prior to the Antarctic Treaty 1959. It outlines the restraints on militarisation of the region provided by the Antarctic Treaty 1959 and its allowance of the use of military personnel and equipment for peaceful purposes. It explains the emerging challenge from “dual use” technologies which may erode existing rules on non-militarisation. Finally, it concludes by suggesting that more effective use of ATS inspection mechanisms (and enhanced inspection capabilities) may help manage this geopolitical risk.