2021 DATES TO BE CONFIRMED

Contact us at epd.nsc@anu.edu.au to express interest or to discuss how we can tailor this program for your organisation.

With growing interest from existing and potential claimants, the leadership role Australia has held in Antarctic affairs cannot be taken for granted. Australia has the largest claim of any country: 43% of the frozen continent. But the unique governance approach, stability and environmental preservation achieved through the historic Antarctic Treaty regime is coming under increased strain. Global resource pressures, rising great power competition and the activities and interests of major and emerging powers are becoming more apparent.

This one-day program provides a comprehensive introduction to Antarctic affairs. It will guide you through the Antarctic Treaty system, Australia’s leadership role, the roles of other key claimants and current policy initiatives. The course will also consider future challenges, including illegal and unregulated fishing, regional governance, and climate change. It will focus on the security dimensions of these issues, and the motives and activities of other powers.

Participants in this course will examine the following key questions:

• What is unique about the Antarctic Treaty system, and Australia’s leadership role?
• What are Australia’s strategic interests in Antarctica?
• What are Australia’s current policy initiatives for Antarctica?
• What are the future challenges for Australia, including illegal and unregulated fishing and regional governance?
• Who are the emerging and new players in the Antarctic and what does this mean for Australia’s interests?

This course is designed for professionals, analysts and officers from all departments and agencies who may be directly working on Antarctic issues and maritime security, or who seek a deeper understanding of this increasingly important subject for their professional development.

“The NSC course on Antarctica was a really useful introduction to the wide range of issues that the continent represents. The co-ordinators went out of their way to recruit world-class experts and the presentations and discussions were interesting and engaging.”

Enquiries

This program has not been scheduled for 2020 but will run if there is sufficient interest. Please email epd.nsc@anu.edu.au to register your interest.