The Arctic and Antarctic in the system of international law relations

Abstract

Arctic and Antarctica are two regions of the planet that, despite having no permanent population (due to harsh climatic conditions) and not belonging to any country, attract the interest of international actors. In the case of the Arctic, five neighboring countries (the USA, Canada, Denmark, Norway, and the Russian Federation) are the most involved in the competition for the Arctic, driven by interests in its mineral resources, the potential emergence (due to global warming) of shorter maritime routes, and strategic and military concerns. To resolve the differences through dialogue, the five countries established the Arctic Council in 1993. As for Antarctica, its status was regulated by the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, which established the use of Antarctica exclusively for peaceful purposes, in the interest of all humanity. Despite the signed agreement, a number of states claim territories in Antarctica, considering them national territories. It is expected that with global warming and the melting of the ice at both poles, access to these regions will become easier, creating new opportunities, but also new situations of interstate conflict.