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Soft power in the Antarctic Treaty

What is soft power? How it is applied in the Treaty and some of its downfalls.

The Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), can be seen as the joined efforts of 54 Parties to make Antarctica a region of international cooperation, groundbreaking and environmentally conscious scientific research, and both, the conservation of ecosystems and a sustainable living off resources in the Antarctic region. Parting from this, it can be said that this Treaty is fueled by soft power; an approach to power that involves the achievement of international relations through persuasion, diplomacy and the use of economic or cultural influence (instead of military power and coercion).


The ATS can be seen as a great example of the effectiveness diplomatic and peaceful interactions can have for the preservation of valuable regions like Antarctica and its resources. It is soft power that has allowed the success of scientific research in this continent and the sharing of acquired knowledge without boundaries.


The problem is, as I investigated soft power and its application in the Treaty, I found that there were ways in which it could be used to cover up immoral activities. Although we would like to believe that the intentions behind the Treaty are sufficient to make anyone involved protective of the region, we must face that global actors or other entities may have different plans in mind.

Soft power has been the key to the success of the ATS, but can also be the pathway to avoiding it. This characteristic gives room to the manipulation of Articles and the avoidance of the rigorous environmental preservation methods of the ATS.

Moreover, scientific investigation could be used to argue environmental exploitation and the testing of all kinds of weapons. To avoid regulations, any Party could act prior to annual revisions, justifying their acts by stating all was done with scientific purposes in mind.


I strongly believe in soft power, and think that it can take humanity far in the near future, but I fear some may abuse it and take advantage of its peacefulness to act as they wish on the low.

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➔ What are your thoughts on this? Is soft power effective? Which means would you use to make sure the Antarctic Treaty is followed? Do you think Parties could bridge the Treaty in the future like I mentioned?


Check out the original ATS document down below (retrieved from the document section in: https://www.ats.aq/e/antarctictreaty.html)


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