Antarctica in International Law

Antarctica, one of the world''s last great wildernesses, presents special challenges for international law. Fears that Antarctica would become a front in the Cold War catalysed agreement on the 1959 Antarctic Treaty which neither legitimised nor challenged the existing sovereign claims to the continent. The unique Antarctic Treaty System has provided the foundation for peaceful, harmonious and effective governance. There are, however, new anxieties about the frozen continent and the Southern Ocean. Antarctica already feels the effects of climate change and ocean acidification. Claimant states assert rights to the Antarctic continental shelf and interest in Antarctic resources grows. Tourism brings new environmental and safety risks. China and other powers are increasing their activities, with some questioning the consensus of the ''Antarctic club''. Security concerns are increasingly discussed, despite Antarctica''s dedication to peaceful purposes. This book brings together the main primary international materials concerning the regulation and governance of Antarctica, including multilateral and bilateral treaties, United Nations materials, ''soft laws'' and judicial decisions. It covers the spectrum of Antarctic issues from environmental protection to scientific cooperation to tourism. As it shows, Antarctic law has constantly adapted to meet new challenges and is a sophisticated, inclusive, dynamic and responsive regime.>

About the author

Ben Saul is Professor of International Law at the University of Sydney, Australia.Tim Stephens is Professor of International Law at the University of Sydney.

Product details

• Authors: Ben Saul, Ben Stephens Saul, Tim Stephens
• Assisted by: Ben Saul (Editor), Tim Stephens (Editor)
• Publisher: Hart Publishing
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 26.03.2015
• EAN: 9781849467315
• ISBN: 978-1-84946-731-5
• No. of pages: 1136
• Dimensions: 169 mm x 244 mm x 22 mm
• Series: Documents in International Law; Documents in International Law
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Law > International law, foreign law; Antarctica, LAW / International, LAW / Maritime, International law, transport and commerce: maritime law, International maritime law