21. A Continent for Science, A Continent for peace: The Antarctic Treaty System

Antarctic Treaty System explained—why it matters today. Season 3 of South Pole begins with a deep, accessible guide to the Antarctic Treaty System: the international agreement that keeps Antarctica demilitarized, dedicated to peace, science, and environmental protection. Political and environmental philosopher Dr. Alejandra Mancilla (University of Oslo) traces how the treaty emerged from overlapping territorial claims and Cold War tensions—and how it evolved into today’s consultative vs. non-consultative membership model, where decision-making is tied to “substantial scientific research” and consensus rules shape outcomes. We unpack the 1991 Environmental Protocol, the ban on mineral extraction through 2048, and the big debates now facing Antarctic governance: tourism, legitimacy, climate change, and who gets to decide Antarctica’s future.

Episode Guest: Dr. Alejandra Mancilla

Visit Dr. Mancilla’s website

Find Dr. Mancilla’s article here

Browse Dr. Mancilla’s publications on Google Scholar

Learn more about the Antarctic Treaty here

South Pole: What if Antarctica had Legal Personhood?

Read Antarctic journalist Tiara Walter’s work

Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website

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Hosted, produced and edited by Clark Marchese

Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong.

Theme music by Nela Ruiz

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