Five Eyes strategic interests in Antarctica: implications of contemporary Russian and Chinese strategy

Geopolitical tension in the Antarctic is not a new feature, and the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) is not about to crumble.1 Nevertheless, the region is slowly shaping to become a ‘contested space’2 in the presence of Russia and China. Taken individually and together, Moscow’s and Beijing’s postures and actions in Antarctic affairs are reshuffling the cards of good governance and consensus-based decisions in the ATS. Of particular interest is the relationship both countries have towards Antarctic affairs and the challenge they represent individually and jointly for the Five Eyes and its intelligence community. This article examines the respective Antarctic strategies of Russia and China. It then considers both Moscow and Beijing’s assessment of the Antarctic Treaty System in terms of its utility and durability. The article compares and contrasts the two states approaches to Antarctica to consider the implications for Five Eyes (FVEY) intelligence community. It concludes that within FVEY countries, keeping unity and coherence within the ATS is the best way to contain Russia’s and China’s regional ambitions – provided necessary measures are in place to keep track of their activities there.