Seven countries claim parts of the vast territory of Antarctica, which spans 14 million square kilometers. Argentina is one of the countries that has secured its claim to sovereignty by signing the Treaty and, since 1947, has mutually recognized its rights with Chile, promoting the idea of a "South American Antarctica." In the midst of a tense geopolitical climate and competition for natural resources, it is crucial to consider this situation and protect national sovereignty. Argentina ranks eighth in area worldwide, with 10,444,274 square kilometers, including land territory and Antarctica.
Three territorial conflicts in which Argentina is involved raise important alarms due to the threatened possession of nearly 38.9% of its territory. Since the British occupation of the Falkland Islands in 1833, they have become an usurped territory. The establishment of borders between Argentina and Chile remains pending in certain areas, leading to tensions and a supposed agenda by the United Kingdom and Chile to weaken Argentina's position in that crucial region.
Argentina's claim of sovereignty over Antarctica, an area also disputed by the United Kingdom and Chile, covers an area equivalent to eight times the province of Buenos Aires. The presence of hydrocarbon reserves, fishing, and the strategic importance of the Falklands give the British occupation a greater political dimension, often reflected in competitions for control of this key territory.
Regarding border demarcation in the Patagonian Andes, Argentina and Chile still maintain significant differences. The vastness of the region, with highly coveted natural resources, exposes both nations to territorial conflicts that endanger Argentine sovereignty. According to a report by Repliegue, which specializes in issues of law and national sovereignty, Argentina risks losing part of its heritage if these ongoing conflicts are not resolved.
The British military presence in Antarctica, with the most important military base in the South Atlantic, represents an additional challenge to Argentine sovereignty. The strategic importance of the Falkland Islands for controlling the Strait of Magellan and the Drake Passage, combined with the fact that the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 does not prohibit territorial claims but rather freezes them to preserve peace, makes the region a coveted place for various powers.
The disputed region also houses strategic freshwater reserves and is crucial for the global economy. Recognizing and defending Argentine sovereignty in these territories is vital for the protection of national interests. Facing several open fronts, the country is in a constant struggle to maintain its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
