Antarctica at the Heart of International Politics: How Russia and China Are Undermining Global Agreements
Antarctica is not only a unique natural landscape and a hub for scientific research but also a region witnessing intense geopolitical conflicts.
Often viewed as a peaceful territory devoid of national borders, this continent has over the years become a battleground for global powers aiming to control its resources and strategic significance.
Despite the general adherence to treaties banning military activities and new station constructions, risks have emerged.
Russia and China are systematically blocking crucial environmental decisions on international platforms, particularly efforts to protect the emperor penguin from extinction and to restrict mineral extraction that could trigger serious ecological crises in the future.
The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959, established a framework for cooperation but also embedded long-lasting uncertainties regarding territorial claims.
Currently, member nations strive to preserve this agreement, which effectively has frozen territorial disputes, but Russian and Chinese maneuvers to obstruct environmental initiatives threaten global security and ecological stability.
Ukraine has long advocated for its interests in this arena and calls for stricter environmental regulations, yet the growing influence of Russia and China complicates the international landscape.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian scientists actively study processes like magnetic fields, ozone holes, and ocean currents, making valuable contributions to global science.
Looking ahead, Ukraine aims to expand its polar presence by establishing additional research stations, including in the Arctic, and fostering international collaborations to protect Antarctica’s environment and resources while maintaining its sovereignty and independence in this critical region.