Antarctica and South American Geopolitics

Book excerpt: Antarctica and South American Geopolitics examines the impact that geopolitical thinking in South America has on its policies towards the frozen continent, an impact which is considerable, especially among military regimes. Child demonstrates that the geopolitical approach has ramifications for conflict and cooperation, and his careful coverage of them provides one of the few sources available that directly analyzes the topic. The book opens with an introduction to the significance of Antarctica and its resources on the nature of South American geopolitics. Child's step-by-step analysis challenges the generally accepted view that Antarctica is a region of low political tensions--adding a new dimension to Antarctic policy analysis. He explains the specific policies of Argentina, Chile, and Brazil and other South American countries towards Antarctica. Finally, the author concludes by giving a larger picture of Antarctic antagonisms and alliances and by describing the possible results of current geopolitical thinking.