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Long-term threats to Australia’s dormant claim to 42 per cent of Antarctica include growing interest in the continent’s resource potential from such major powers as China and Russia. The paper recommends policy changes and capability investments to protect Australia’s interests.
Antarctica: Assessing and protecting Australia national interests
About the author
International interest in Antarctica is rising. Major powers such as China and Russia have voiced their interest in the continent’s resource potential, strongly suggesting the current prohibition of resource exploitation will be revisited after 2048. These developments pose a potential threat to the longevity of the Antarctic Treaty System as well as Australia’s dormant claim to 42 per cent of the continent. Australia has limited Antarctic presence and capability, and posits its policy in terms of science and environmental management rather than national security. This raises questions about its ability to preserve its sovereignty claim.
Australia needs to elevate the priority of Antarctic policy, and better integrate it into national security and strategic policy thinking. It should:
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