Antarctica Examined: Part II

Antarctica Connection II: Global Governance

Pressing Challenge:
Continuing on yesterday's theme, this afternoon GSI looks at the issue of governance, using Antarctica as a case study of the changing global landscape. No longer is national sovereignty the sole currency of foreign policy. New actors including multinational corporations, intergovernmental organizations, and civil society groups have changed the playing field. Instead of solving problems independently, states are forced to cooperate with these international entities to enact effective and comprehensive policy. This type of cooperation represents a paradigm shift in international relations and a dramatically new approach to governance.

Antarctica in particular underscores these challenges. The southernmost continent has no official government nor does it belong to any individual country. Its territory occupies an area of the earth that borders three separate continents. It does not have fixed geographic borders as its boundaries fluctuate with the 7 to 15 million square kilometers of shifting sea ice that surround the continent’s land mass. Antarctica remains a difficult territory to govern.

Strategic Response:
Nevertheless, these global challenges have catalyzed forward-thinking, strategic responses. Antarctica serves an example of a new direction of international governance. This is articulated by the Antarctic Treaty System. Regulating polar policy, the Antarctic Treaty ensures the well-being and security of the lower continent. Cosigned by over 40 countries, it establishes Antarctica as a region dedicated to science and to the advancement of humankind. It bans the presence of military activity and claims on sovereignty. And most importantly, its 50 year lifespan illustrates that international governments can regulate the global commons effectively (21st century governance!).

In addition, the day-to-day operations of Antarctica’s polar bases depict another example an integrated approach to global governance. For instance, the American base at McMurdo is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (a government entity), Raytheon (a business corporation), and civil society groups from across the world (international entities). This unique partnership among governments, companies, and citizens highlights a movement toward truly global foreign policy. Decisions are based not only on the needs of one nation but on the success of the entire international system. Antarctica is a living example of global governance in action.

Stay alert and remember to follow our RSS feed. Tomorrow we will examine the third Antarctica connection, information flows.