Strategic Horizons

Strategic Horizons: Exploring the nexus of Space, Antarctica, and Global Security for Strategic Solutions in challenging times.

Genève, Switzerland.

This research project, incubated for the GCSP,  aims to explore the critical intersection between Antarctic governance and outer space dynamics, revealing a strategic gap between the Outer Space Treaty and the Antarctic Treaty that jeopardizes the legitimacy of Antarctic governance. 

The absence of consensus to regulate the impact of space activities on the Antarctic´s continent, coupled with Antarctic law's inability to address metageopolitical phenomena, poses substantial risks to international and human security. This undermines mutual confidence among international actors and fosters incentives for competition rather than collaboration.

By investigating the gaps related to outer space activities and their impact on the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), this research is contributing with evidence-based knowledge to the international academic community. It highlights future risks and hazards for ATS due to the escalating exploitation of unregulated space activities, such as the creation of space debris. 

The project aims to provide guidelines to decision-makers, supporting the adoption of both binding and non-binding norms in multilateral models, emphasizing the principles of peaceful use and the prevention of international conflict.

Ultimately, this project seeks to foster collaboration among outer space and Antarctic specialists, generating networks and enhancing capabilities for addressing strategic challenges. It aims to contribute to the development of security and peace frameworks that can effectively navigate the complexities examined in this research.

Principal researcher: Mg. Victoria Valdivia Cerda (Chile) 

Upcoming presentations: Join us in upcoming activities of Strategic Horizons!