Argentina in Antarctica: Sovereignty, Science, and Strategic Ambition

Argentina’s Antarctic claim, formally known as the Argentine Antarctic Sector (Sector Antártico Argentino), is one of seven territorial assertions on the continent and is deeply intertwined with national identity, scientific legacy, and geopolitical ambition. Spanning 1.46 million km², including 965,000 km² of land and 496,000 km² of sea, between longitudes 25°W and 74°W, the claim overlaps with those of Chile and the United Kingdom. This convergence creates a diplomatically sensitive region governed under the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), where sovereignty is neither recognised nor renounced, but effectively suspended.

Argentina’s Antarctic presence is one of the most historically consistent and scientifically active among claimant nations. Though smaller in area than Australia's or Norway's claims, it remains disproportionately influential owing to its geographic proximity, extensive infrastructure, and strategic integration with Patagonia and the port city of Ushuaia.

Argentina’s engagement with Antarctica began in the early 20th century with José María Sobral, a geologist who participated in the Swedish Antarctic Expedition (1901–1904) and became the first Argentine to overwinter on the continent. In 1904, Argentina assumed control of Orcadas Base on Laurie Island—originally established by Scottish explorer William Speirs Bruce—marking the creation of the first permanent scientific station in Antarctica. This unbroken presence forms a central pillar of Argentina’s sovereignty claim, grounded in the principle of “effective occupation”.

During the 1940s, Argentina formalised its territorial claim through presidential decrees, citing historical presence, geographical continuity with Patagonia, and a broader anti-colonial stance in opposition to British assertions. The construction of additional bases, such as Esperanza (1952) and Marambio (1969), further entrenched Argentina’s logistical and scientific infrastructure across the region.

Administered as part of Tierra del Fuego Province, the Argentine Antarctic Sector extends from the South Pole to the 60°S parallel and is bounded by the 25°W and 74°W meridians. It includes the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands, and the western portion of the Weddell Sea. Argentina’s claim is supported by several key factors: its close geographical proximity—Ushuaia lies just 1,100 km away; geological continuity, due to tectonic links between the Andes and the Antarctic Peninsula; and over 120 years of continuous presence. However, the claim overlaps significantly with those of the British Antarctic Territory and the Chilean Antarctic Territory, resulting in a tripartite dispute that remains unresolved but suspended under Article IV of the Antarctic Treaty.

Argentina maintains the largest number of bases in Antarctica, operating 13 stations, six of which are permanent and staffed year-round. These include Orcadas Base—continuously operational since 1904 and focused on meteorology and upper-atmosphere studies; Marambio Base, a critical logistics hub with a 1.2 km gravel runway; Carlini Base, specialising in marine ecosystems and biodiversity; and Belgrano II, the country’s southernmost base, dedicated to glaciological research. Scientific activity is coordinated by the Argentine Antarctic Institute (IAA), which prioritises research in climate science, glaciology, marine biology, and atmospheric dynamics. Under its 2022–2031 strategy, Argentina is also advancing continental shelf mapping efforts with the aim of extending its maritime jurisdiction beyond 350 nautical miles, in line with submissions to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS).

The overlapping nature of Argentina’s claim with those of Chile and the UK renders it one of the most diplomatically delicate areas on the continent. While the Antarctic Treaty imposes a moratorium on sovereignty disputes, symbolic tensions persist. In 2012, Argentina formally protested the UK’s naming of “Queen Elizabeth Land” within the British Antarctic Territory, viewing it as a provocative act. Historically, Argentina and Chile have cooperated to counter British hydrocarbon ambitions in the South Atlantic, reinforcing a shared regional posture. Further complicating the geopolitical landscape is China’s expanding Antarctic presence, notably its 2018 establishment of a satellite tracking station in Neuquén, Argentina, which has raised concerns over the potential strategic use of such infrastructure in polar affairs.

Argentina is a signatory to the Madrid Protocol, which prohibits mining and plays an active role within the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), particularly in the regulation of high-value toothfish and krill fisheries, and in advocating for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), including the Weddell Sea proposal, which remains stalled due to Russian and Chinese opposition. Ushuaia, often known as the Gateway to Antarctica, serves as the departure point for approximately 90% of Antarctic tourist voyages.

Looking toward the 2048 review of the Antarctic Treaty’s mining ban, Argentina is positioning itself to play a leading role in shaping the future governance of the continent. Its strategic objectives include modernising Antarctic infrastructure, expanding year-round personnel deployments, and leading climate science efforts. This climate trajectory threatens key ice formations such as the Larsen C Ice Shelf and contributes to global sea-level rise, adding urgency to Argentina’s environmental agenda. At the same time, Argentina is working to secure extended continental shelf rights via UNCLOS mechanisms and to strengthen Ushuaia’s role as a global logistics hub for polar operations.