The Antarctic Treaty System in a South American perspective: the importance of a unity to face challenges and encourage cooperation

RAPHAEL FERNANDES VIEIRA,; CRISTIAN LORENZO; HUGO MARIZ DE MORAES; LUIS VALENTÍN FERRADA

Lisboa

Conferencia; 2023 SCAR SC-HASS Biennial Conference; 2023

The Antarctic Treaty represents a successful case in multilateral agreements, creating a structural environment dedicated to science, where cooperation and peace between States are prevalent. Since its entry into force in 1961, Member States employed great efforts for the maintenance of its essence. Currently the inclusion of other variables, such as, by the Environmental Protocol, the eventual review of the prohibition on mineral exploitation as of 2048 approaches, especially the advance of the effects of climate change in the region, its possible observe new behaviours. These events can drastically shift the dynamics of the governance that reigns over the Antarc tic Treaty System. Take into consideration the current geopolitical context while at the same time looking towards future transformations, what position can the South American countries assume as a regional group in the decision-making process regarding the future of the Antarctic continent? Is the idea of a South American Antarctica (Antártida Sudamericana) a possible retake? What have the South American States learnt throughout more than sixty years of Antarctic diplomatic involvement? How to reconcile divergent and even conflictive points in favour of the region’s common interests? What are the possible consequences to South America if the discussions are conducted by the Global North? What is the importance of the national or regional identities in this process? Considering the historical role of South American countries in the Antarctic governance, this roundtable will address the aforementioned above questions by Antarctic scholars in different fields of Social Sciences, with affiliations to universities and centres of research in South America.