Protecting United States Interests in Antarctica

• Main Author: Scott, Ronald W.
• Other Authors: JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL'S SCHOOL CHARLOTTESVILE VA
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1988
• Subjects: Government and Political Science; Sociology and Law; Biological Oceanography; Geology; Geochemistry and Mineralogy; *UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT; *LEADERSHIP; *NATURAL RESOURCES; *TREATIES; *RESOURCE MANAGEMENT; *ANTARCTIC REGIONS; POLICIES; ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION; COOPERATION; INTERNATIONAL LAW; OIL RESERVOIRS; NATURAL GAS; AQUATIC ANIMALS; MINERALS; UNITED NATIONS; COMMERCIAL FISHING; THESES; FRESH WATER; HYDROCARBONS; HISTORY; *ANTARCTIC TREATY SYSTEM; SOUTHERN OCEAN; KRILL; NATIONAL INTERESTS; TERRITORIAL CLAIMS; Antarctic; Southern Ocean; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA451524; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA451524

This thesis begins by presenting a geographic overview of the physical features and resources in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Next, it details the history of claims and interests over Antarctic territory, with particular emphasis on United States activities. Aspects of the U.S.-initiated Antarctic Treaty regime are then explored, including management of living resources and potential exploration and exploitation of nonliving hydrocarbon and mineral resources. The thesis points out past weaknesses in U.S.-Antarctic policy making, and recommends a broader role for the Department of Defense in such areas as safety and security. The thesis also recommends that the Antarctic Treaty consultative parties resolve the issue of criminal jurisdiction over offenses committed in Antarctica before the theoretical problem arises in practice, suggesting a model fashioned somewhat after the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Status of Forces Agreement. Finally, the thesis highlights the recent influence of the United Nations over Antarctic affairs, and proposes that the governing Antarctic Treaty consultative parties should cooperate more with the United Nations to avoid confrontation over the impending minerals regime. Suspension of South Africa from consultative status is recommended as a means of dampening United Nations' opposition to the minerals regime, and of preventing eventual dissolution of the regime over these and other issues.