By Jordan Cline and Anita Bainbridge Antarctic Treaty By Jordan Cline and Anita Bainbridge

Antarctica Earth’s southernmost continent Earth’s only country without a native population Was mostly neglected until the early 20th Century and the signing of the Antarctic Treaty.

Background: When? Treaty was signed December 1st 1959 Treaty was enforced on 23rd June, 1961 Earliest of the post-World War II arms limitation agreements

Background: Purpose Provided a model for future treaties To protect the peaceful status of Antarctica by banning Establishment of military bases Military manoeuvres Stationing or testing of any type of weapon Nuclear explosions Radioactive waste material Provided a model for future treaties

Background: Participants Originally made up of 12 members: Argentina Australia Belgium Chile France Japan New Zealand Norway South Africa Soviet Union UK USA Signed on 23rd June 1961

Current members

Cold War The Treaty was signed at the height of the Cold War Events before and during this time period include: The success of Fidel Castro’s Cuban Revolution (1959) Luna 3 (1959) Sputnik (1957) U2 incident (1960) The US and the Soviets were locked in Cold War tension and there were serious concerns about nuclear conflict and weapons testing

Levels of Compliance Meetings were held biennially, but have been held more frequently since 1993 Each meeting involves recommendations for how the treaty should be used, which when ratified become binding to all partied involved. Conservation of seals (1972) Conservation of marine living resources (1980) Comprehensive environmental protection (1991-1998) Compliance has been good amongst all parties involved One of the most successful treaties of all time due to the diplomacy of all involved parties

Implementation Challenges The Treaty fails to address certain flaws No laws to regulate commercial tourism Protocol does not address environmental threats and issues Compliance is largely dependant on the willingness of the parties involved No mechanisms for punishing violators of the Treaty

Loopholes Loopholes in the treaty include: Vague language which makes the treaty difficult to enforce Article 25 “the walk out clause” Article X of CCAMLR and it’s lack of guidelines

Bibliography "THE ANTARCTIC TREATY." U.S. Department of State. Web. 05 Oct. 2011. <http://www.state.gov/www/global/arms/treaties/arctic1.html>. Atomicarchive.com