Politics of mineral resource development in Antarctica: alternative regimes for the future

Book · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:6691754

Westermeyer, W E

The Antarctic Treaty has operated smoothly for 21 years, but has allowed participating nations to sidestep disagreements concerning sovereignty. At the same time, the treaty lacks adequate measures concerning future mineral exploration. Serious negotiations for an acceptable regime have only recently begun, leaving the crucial issue of sovereign rights unresolved. The author analyzes the treaty, then discusses 12 proposals viewed as most likely alternatives for a new international regime for the region. Using Multi-Attribute Utility Analysis, he evaluates each alternative in terms of the relevant interests of the 14 nations involved to see which best serves collective interests. He incorporates estimates of the importance of these interest for each state and assesses the probable effect each alternative would have in satisfying them. He also examines the criteria for participation in an antarctic minerals regime, potential areas of conflict, and the balance between environmental and developmental concerns. 70 references, 4 figures, 17 tables.

• OSTI ID: 6691754
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290400* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Resources
293000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
AGREEMENTS
ANTARCTIC REGIONS
ANTARCTICA
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
LEGAL ASPECTS
POLAR REGIONS
POLITICAL ASPECTS
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
TREATIES