The Antarctic continent is one of the most important geopolitical regions in the world

because it has so many natural resources such as oil, minerals, and gas. It is also
surrounded by the Pacific, Antarctic, and Indian Oceans, which makes it geographically
very important.

Antarctic continent is a key region for scientific research, and Works as filter system or
lung of the planet. Today it is defined as nature reserve and has 75% of the world’s
freshwater.

On 22 February 1904 the first pavilion in Antarctica was built by a group of Argentine
scientists. For about 40 years, Argentina was the only permanent country on the White
Continent, and geographical and geological activities were carried out. During the 20th
century, European countries woke up and began to explore Antarctic’s seas and lands. For
example, United Kingdom was the first European country to claim sovereignty.

Argentina is one of the two Latin American countries claiming sovereignty, the second was
Chile.

In 1957, Argentina and Chile established the territorial boundaries of Antarctica.

In the first half of the 20th century, Argentina and Chile peacefully negotiated their
sovereignty over Antarctica.

The White Continent was quiet until the Cold War when numerous incidents became
significant. The first incident was conducted by the United States under the name
Operation High-Jump.

The second incident was called Bahía de Esperanza in 1952 and was the first shooting on
the Antarctic floor. The participants were Argentine and British.

Faced with the treat of conflict, the Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 by 14 countries.
The agreement emphasizes peaceful use and scientific cooperation on the White
Continent. Almost all members belong to the Northern Hemisphere and have economic
interests and activities in the Arctic, that are of great experience for application in the
South. The two powers in the system were fighting over the conquest of rich oil, natural
gas, and minerals deposits, when the agreement was signed. If the treaty had not been
signed, we could have had the third world war.

Territorial disputes have lost danger potential due to treaty. States members can negotiate
its sovereignty but cannot expand while the article is in operation. The treaty has validity
undefined and could be modify by the members unanimity. However, after 2048 any
member could request a revision of the treaty.

Countries from South America have shown interest in the white continent because its
proximity. However, of all South America only Argentina and Chile have demanded
sovereignty. Today, seven different countries claim sovereignty over the Antarctic
continent. These are: Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, Norway, New Zealand, and the
United Kingdom.

Conclusion
I think the treaty is a good measure to preserve the natural weather in Antarctica, but if the
treaty expires, countries will not behave peacefully and exploit the continent. However,
exploitation of resources is not cheap.

If we do not take care of Antarctica, we will have serious climatic problems.