Relationship dossier
Antarctica
United States
Relationship assessment
U.S. engagement with Antarctica is governed by the Antarctic Treaty system and focused on scientific activity.
Antarctica toward United States
Not assessedUnited States toward Antarctica
+35The United States participates in the Antarctic Treaty system, which reserves the continent for peaceful purposes and scientific investigation while setting aside disputes over territorial claims. It also conducts scientific research and supports operations in Antarctica.
Overall relationship
Not assessedHow to read these scores
Scores are rough judgments, not objective measurements or current verification. Directional scores describe government policy and conduct, not public opinion. The overall score is an independent estimate, never an average.
- −100
- Extreme sustained hostility
- −50
- Substantially adversarial
- 0
- Mixed or neutral, supported by knowledge
- +50
- Substantially cooperative
- +100
- Exceptionally close sustained partnership
“Not assessed” means there is no recorded score. Pair existence makes no claim about diplomatic recognition or established relations.
Relationship context
Overview
Antarctica has no independent government conducting foreign policy. The United States is a party to the Antarctic Treaty and maintains scientific research and logistical operations on the continent. This describes U.S. policy concerning Antarctica rather than a reciprocal government-to-government relationship.
Key developments
The United States signed the Antarctic Treaty, establishing a framework for peaceful use and scientific cooperation in Antarctica.
The Antarctic Treaty entered into force, establishing the enduring framework for international activity on the continent.
Major uncertainties
- The scope and continuity of U.S. scientific and logistical operations on the continent may change over time.