7 May 2025
Antarctica’s Treaty in testing times
The rules and norms that have protected the frozen continent from geopolitical competition are set to be tested.
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30 Apr 2025
Australia-China: Port visits can manage tensions
The Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia all have acute maritime disputes with China, but they continue to welcome naval visits. So why can't Australia? -
8 Nov 2024
Is a fundamental governing principle of the Antarctic Treaty System under threat?
China and Russia seem to have thrown “precaution” to the wind. -
13 Sep 2024
As China’s space technology advances, Antarctica’s relevance may be frozen out
Re-evaluating concerns about the potential military uses of space technology on the white continent. -
4 Sep 2024
Will Russia violate the Antarctic Treaty?
For Moscow, science has always come second to ideology. -
22 May 2024
Biden’s new Antarctic statement holds lessons for Australia
Different views of sovereignty on the continent shouldn’t obscure the many shared goals. -
9 Apr 2024
What are China’s long-term Antarctic ambitions?
Beijing’s desire to expand into “far frontiers” will test Antarctic protocols. Canberra will need a robust response. -
27 Feb 2024
Antarctic diplomacy and the critical role of inspection mechanisms
The future of the Antarctic Treaty System relies on laws that both foster cooperation and manage tensions. -
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21 Dec 2023
A jurisdiction over the high seas
Australia will be a key player in the new agreement governing the globe’s largest natural habitat. -
11 Jul 2023
Charting new paths for Antarctic protection despite China’s resistance
Too much would be lost by tearing up existing agreements. There are other ways to entice Beijing to cooperate. -
24 Mar 2023
Krill campaign less than thrilling
Sea Shepherd should widen its net beyond activism by diversifying efforts to support sustainable fishing. -
18 Mar 2022
The end of Antarctic exceptionalism?
Plunging Russia into the diplomatic deep freeze has implications far beyond Europe on cooperation over global commons. -
18 Feb 2022
Not so quiet on the Southern Front
Australia faces stiff geopolitical competition in Antarctica, and it’s not just China and Russia with eyes on the prize. -
20 Jan 2022
Cold front: Antarctica and its military future
Repurposing scientific equipment on the frozen continent is possible but would give little military advantage. -
26 Nov 2021
Opportunity lost: Australia’s Antarctic aerodrome cancelled
If the Antarctic Treaty System does fail, this decision may be regretted. The challenge now is to ensure it does not. -
8 Oct 2021
China and the future of the Antarctic mining ban
The continent’s resources are frozen until at least 2048. But a carbon-zero shift could see them left on ice far longer. -
22 Jun 2021
A Cold War deal on ice: The Antarctic Treaty at 60
The remarkable resilience of what evolved into the Antarctic Treaty System cannot be an excuse for complacency. -
3 May 2021
The Davis aerodrome and Australia’s leadership in the Antarctic
How can Australia pretend to uphold the ATS while pursuing a project that risks unprecedented ecological impact? -
16 Feb 2021
Antarctica: Working a rules-based system
The frozen continent is not fully quarantined from an assertive China, yet myths should not be mistaken for reality. -
14 Jul 2020
Australia’s Russia problem (and how to solve it)
Quite literally, the coldest continent might be just the right place to thaw out Canberra’s frosty ties with Moscow. -
23 Oct 2019
Antarctica and the China test
While Australia’s federal politicians ponder the US-China puzzle, it may be state governments stuck with real choices. -
3 Oct 2019
Poles apart: The long shadow of US-China competition
National rivalry should not get in the way of cooperation to stop the greatest threat to polar regions – climate change. -
13 Aug 2019
The (other) continent we can’t defend
A rude challenge awaits Canberra’s cosy assumptions about the Antarctic Treaty System and its ongoing relevance. -
26 Jul 2019
The importance of trust in preserving Antarctica’s future
China’s Antarctic law-making plans hinge on winning consensus – very different from proposals that win little support. -
11 Jul 2019
The heights of China’s ambition in Antarctica
Beijing’s aim to declare a special managed area at the ice sheet’s highest point is a test of Antarctic governance. -
29 May 2018
Building a paved runway in Antarctica
Scrutiny of the environmental cost is needed before plans for a runway in Australian Antarctic Territory are realised. -
19 Feb 2018
Collaborating with China in Antarctica
Countries should seek to foster scientific cooperation in the areas of ocean and climate research.