The Antarctic: For Peaceful Purposes Only

• Main Author: Martin, Debs
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: English
• Published: 2002
• Subjects: Antarctic; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10092/14253

At the bottom of world maps Antarctica lies as a thin white line, inexcusably denying its importance to the rest of the planet. Cloaked in ice, its mysteries are conveniently covered, and its significance unknown to many. Its simplicity of form and clarity of colour belie its complexity. This complexity is not only of geological history, fascinating life forms, and critical ecosystems, but exists in the relationship humans have to the Antarctic and the agreements and accords that have arisen since its discovery. It is to this later complexity that the current study seeks to address. In the preamble to the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, parties to its establishment recognised "that it is in the interest of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord." In addition, Article I states that "Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only." (cited in Beeby, 1972). The simple phrase 'peaceful purposes only' is the key theme and guides the research and questions throughout this examination. As a student of social sciences with a background in environmental issues, sustainable development, and sociological and geographical theory, the term 'peaceful purposes only' raises a number of issues regarding the relationships and agendas that drive those who are involved in the Antarctic. At the bottom of world maps Antarctica lies as a thin white line, inexcusably denying its importance to the rest of the planet. Cloaked in ice, its mysteries are conveniently covered, and its significance unknown to many. Its simplicity of form and clarity of colour belie its complexity. This complexity is not only of geological history, fascinating life forms, and critical ecosystems, but exists in the relationship humans have to the Antarctic and the agreements and accords that have arisen since its discovery. It is to this later complexity that the current study seeks to address. In the preamble to the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, ...