Antarctica: Strategic Competition's Next Frozen Frontier

Antarctica is the only demilitarized region in the world. Countries initially committed to its preservation as a region of peace to prevent conflict from the Cold War from spilling over to the most remote place on Earth. As the world again enters an era of competition among great powers, countries must renew their commitment to Antarctica as a region of peace. The first likely opportunity to reconsider what activities can occur will likely be in 2048, 30 years after the environmental protocol entered into force. Though the date is still 25 years removed, the events that will shape that discussion must take place now before it is too late.