Topic 1 - Antarctic territorial claims

Antarctica is the only continent not to have a native human population–its harsh climate and remoteness have prevented such a phenomenon. However, advances in transportation and technology in the last century and a half have allowed for humans to gradually explore the continent, leading to numerous countries gaining an interest in exploring and eventually controlling various portions of Antarctica. A variety of states have tried to impose their own territorial claims upon Antarctica; as of 1959, seven countries have made official claims, several of which overlap. Furthermore, there are a variety of states that have engaged in activities in Antarctica that do not make territorial claims yet maintain a significant presence on the continent, with one of the most notable examples of this phenomenon being the United States. Delegates to the First Antarctic Treaty must determine how to account for these territorial claims in the writing of the treaty while ensuring that no state gains sole control over the entirety of the Antarctic territory and that Antarctica continues to remain open to international exploration.

Topic 2 - Peaceful exploration of Antarctica

Antarctica has a unique geopolitical position due to its unique polar climate, remote geographical location, and status as not belonging to any particular country. These features have made exploring the continent incredibly appealing for two reasons: scientific research and military importance. Antarctica has proven to be instrumental in the studies of biology, geology, glaciology, and astronomy, and there are a variety of states that hold an interest in pursuing research in these fields on the Antarctic continent. Nonetheless, the appeal of Antarctica as a location of key strategic importance cannot be ignored, as there has been a large increase in military activities post World War II. The United States has undertaken multiple large-scale military operations in Antarctica since the late 1940s, and Argentina and the United Kingdom have also engaged in multiple instances of armed conflict in Antarctic territory, most notably the Hope Bay and Deception Island incidents in 1952 and 1953, respectively. Delegates to the First Antarctic Treaty must determine how to promote the usage of Antarctica for peaceful purposes, such as scientific research and exploration, among states that have an interest in exploring its territory. They must find a way to limit the scope of and eventually end military activity that has already begun to take place in the region while also determining a means of preventing any further military activity.