The Security Challenges of Antarctica
The aim of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) is "to encourage discussion of national and international defence and defence related matters to improve public awareness." The Cove is pleased to share with you the first RUSI Tasmania's Security Seminar. In conjunction with the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania acknowledges the support of the Australian Institute of International Affairs – Tasmania, the Tasmanian Polar Network and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT) covers nearly 5.9 million square kilometres. That is about 42% of Antarctica. The area is nearly 80% of the size of Australia itself. This Seminar explored the current future security challenges facing Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
For a current look at Antarctica, check out the ‘Know Your Region’ series which looks through the lens of Diplomacy, Information, Military, Economy, and a Special Issue on the ozone hole and Australia's claim.
The seminar was held on 16 June 2022 in the Sir Stanley Burbury Theatre, University of Tasmania and featured a range of speakers and responders including:
- Dr Malcolm Davis, Senior Fellow ASPI
- Dr Elizabeth Buchanan, Head of Research Sea Power Centre
- A/Prof Jeffrey McGee, UTAS
Thank you to those who attended in-person, watched online, and participated in the Q&A.
The papers presented will be published in the RUSI Journal. Papers and video presentation with questions will be available on the Australian Institute of International Affairs website and on the The Cove.
Opening Address
'Australia's Antarctic Interests' by Dr Tony Press, University of Tasmania
Keynote Address
'Technological Dimensions for the Oceans, Land, and Space' by Dr Malcolm Davis – Senior Fellow ASPI Maritime and Homeland Security
Keynote Address
'Do Artic Geopolitics Influence the Antarctic?' by Associate-Professor Nengye Liu, Faculty of Law, Macquarie University
Keynote Address
'Conflict Scenarios in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica' by Associate Professor Jeff McGee – University of Tasmania
Q&A Panel
'Australia's security challenges in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean' by a mix of speakers and additional guests. Chaired by Associate Professor Jeffrey McGee, University of Tasmania, this session will explore the future of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean and the implications for Australia’s national interests.
