International Governance of the Antarctic – Participation, Transparency and Legitimacy

Abstract

This article explores the principal institutions of international governance of the Antarctic region, their members, and how open they are to new participants. It considers the relationship between the openness of these institutions to new participation and their long-term international legitimacy and efficacy. Taking as its starting point the Antarctic Treaty System, each constituent part is examined for participation, transparency and legitimacy. It applies these criteria to both State and non-State actors and to parties and non-parties. Ultimately it seeks to determine what factors have contributed to its success over five decades in a radically changing world, and what factors might contribute to its future vulnerability. The examination and conclusions might have resonance for what happens in the Arctic.