In late June to early July 2025, delegates from 58 nations convened in Milan to deliberate the fate of Antarctica, an area historically reserved for collaborative scientific research and peaceful coexistence. The discussions centered on whether the continent could continue to uphold its ethos of neutrality or if it might soon become a battleground for geopolitical conflict among leading powers, particularly the U.S., China, and Russia.
Since the enactment of the Antarctic Treaty in 1961, Antarctica has been a unique region free of military activity, primarily aimed at fostering scientific collaboration and safeguarding the environment. This treaty notably suspends claims of territory made by seven nations, thereby establishing a protective environment for its resources and research endeavors.
However, recent trends have strained this spirit of cooperation. Dr. Jeffrey McGee, a law professor specializing in Antarctic affairs at the University of Tasmania, warns that the current geopolitical climate poses challenges to the Antarctic Treaty system. He asserts that the interests of major players in global politics increasingly intersect with their activities in Antarctica.
Both China and Russia are reported to be expanding their scientific installations on the continent, leading to suspicions about their ultimate intentions, which some experts suggest may veer towards military rather than purely scientific applications. A British House of Commons committee has raised questions about Russia's seismic surveying activities, hinting that they may be more aligned with potential resource exploration than legitimate scientific investigation, a matter that could breach existing treaties (both nations have yet to provide commentary on these allegations).
