Understanding Antarctic Exceptionalism(s)

SENATORE, MARÍA; CRISTIAN LORENZO; ALEJANDRA MANCILLA; ALESSANDRO ANTONELLO; LUIS VALENTÍN FERRADA; CHARNE LAVERY; EMMANUELLE SULTAN; HANNE NIELSEN

Lisboa

Conferencia; 2023 SCAR SC-HASS Biennial Conference; 2023

The round table aims to reflect on the significance of Antarctic exceptionalism(s), both in conceptual and practical terms. This aim entangles a comprehensive understanding of the place and role of Antarctica in our contemporary world. We will try to achieve this aim with the invaluable contribution of scholars working in diverse fields of humanities and social sciences, (e.g., history, law, literature, philosophy, international relations, anthropology, archaeology), based in different continents and working in the frame of a myriad of academic traditions. Antarctic exceptionalism has been envisioned from different perspectives, considered as a given fact or as a cultural process that has been taking place over time. We can consider some examples to illustrate different conceptual understandings of it, such as: · Antarctic exceptionalism has been generally accepted as a consequence of the achievements of diplomacy. It has worked to maintain the geopolitical status quo under the Antarctic Treaty System. · Antarctic exceptionalism arises from its unique geographic and environmental characteristics. Remoteness and wilderness have contributed to the idea of a one-of-a-kind place on Earth for humans. · Antarctic exceptionalism, as a cultural process, has been built through historical narratives, environmental policies, and cultural expressions and representations. Several questions could be linked to these different views. · If Antarctica has been considered exceptional, the questions are as follows: when, by whom and based on what criteria? · What does exceptionalism mean? How does it work? Is there one idea of exceptionalism? Are there many ideas of different exceptionalisms? · How has the concept of exceptionalism been built over time? What factors have influenced the configuration of exceptionalism? What factors have been disruptive to the idea of exceptionalism? · What are the past and present implications of considering Antarctica exceptional? What are the dilemmas that Antarctic exceptionalism entails? To start the round table, after a brief introduction to the topic, the invited participants will have 5 min to present a provocation idea or view, followed by a particular question to all of us. This will be the way to start the general discussion. Finally, the participants will be invited to present some concluding words before the closing of the round table.