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29/04/2020

Is the Antarctic’s status quo being challenged by the new geopolitical context with the rise of China as a global power? Alexia Herring Bazo

The Antarctic has a special condition as peace reigns through science and cooperation as it was established due to the gravity and uncertainty of the Cold War situation and the threat of nuclear warfare. Although the status quo has been maintained since such stability was agreed back in 1959 by the Antarctic Treaty, current times had changed drastically. Asia is developing into a more influential player, especially China. In order to maintain this trend, a clear example is that economic and political strategies are being driven and oriented largely by the need to obtain and consume natural resources, where countries look toward Antarctica for its potentially large natural reserves, which still remain intact. This document tries to give reasons why the international community should be aware of the considerable rise and increasing predisposition of Chinese presence in the white continent by the great effort and investment that it has recently making, unnoticed. The end of this status quo could have serious consequences for the Antarctic Treaty System and, therefore, for the entire global community.

Documento elaborado por: Alexia Herring Bazo. Master’s student in Geopolitics and Strategic Studies. Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.

 

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