Governing of global commons in the scope of international regime: The case of Antarctica

In this study, international cooperation in the case of Antarctica has been analyzed concerning the international regimes in explaining the global governance of common heritage of humanity. First, territorial claims over the continent do not comply with the concept of a regime for the benefit of mankind. Existing legal structure, The Antarctic Treaty System, to regulate scientific research, utilization, conservation and governance of Antarctic resources has not been competent enough in surpassing the claims and present problems regarding the continent. Self-interested actors in Antarctic affairs have shaped the politics of Antarctica in the form of international cooperation process through science. In this regard, this study aims to examine the global governance of Antarctica in the scope of the international regime. The methodology is mainly based on interviews with the national Antarctic research institutions of the claimant states and concerned non-governmental organizations. Under the frame of this research, this study evaluates the treaties, conventions, protocols and other related sources. The overall structure demonstrates the fact that sustainable future of Antarctica is in need of a comprehensive regime under the frame of common heritage of mankind and free from national interests.