Political Philosophy Looks to Antarctica
We are at a unique point in history to influence the ethical dimensions of the decisions regarding territory and natural resources in Antarctica. With that end in mind, in this project we assess the moral grounds of claims over territory and natural resources in the White Continent, as well as the moral legitimacy of the Antarctic Treaty System.
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Photo: Pablo Ruiz, Instituto Antártico Chileno (INACH)
About the project
Global pressure over natural resources in Antarctica will mount in the coming decades. Three pressing factors might motivate states to claim exclusive rights to Antarctica: climate change, dwindling natural resources in occupied territories, and the fact that, by virtue of Article IV of the Antarctic Treaty, the question of sovereignty in the White Continent remains unresolved. We are thus at a unique point in history to influence the ethical dimensions of the decisions that may govern Antarctica in the future.
So far, most analyses of Antarctic politics have taken a descriptive and matter-of-fact approach, while political philosophy has been blind to Antarctica as a case study. In this project, we use these blindspots as a point of departure.
Objectives
- Primary objectives
To carry out a normative analysis of claims over territory and natural resources in Antarctica, and to develop a systematic normative framework with which to morally assess these claims.
To carry out a normative analysis of the political legitimacy of the Antarctic Treaty System, and to develop a systematic normative framework with which to morally assess it.
- Secondary objectives
To take Antarctic politics and, more specifically, the Antarctic Treaty System, as a unique locus wherefrom to rethink certain key concepts and theories of territorial rights and rights over natural resources, on the one hand, and political legitimacy, on the other.
Financing
Polar Programme, Norwegian Research Council
Duration
September 1, 2017 until August 30, 2020.
Cooperation
Arctic University of Norway, University of Southampton (UK), University College Cork (Ireland), Queens University (Canada), University of Tasmania (Australia), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.