The Antarctic Continent: a geostrategic interest of the Colombian State

Abstract

The purpose of this research article is to determine the geostrategic relevance for the Colombian State, reflected in policies, research and institutional architecture that covers the Antarctic continent. The argumentation and analysis are supported by primary and secondary sources, which allow visualizing the characteristics, conditions, contributions and projection of Colombia in the Antarctic Treaty System. As a working hypothesis, Colombia has identified Antarctica as part of a geostrategic interest -from a humanistic and investigative perspective- and has deployed a series of institutional efforts in the last 30 years to approach the understanding of the region. As conclusions, there is a clear oceanic, aerial, cyberspace, space, climatic and biological connection between Colombia, represented in public institutions -such as the Foreign Ministry and the Military Forces- and educational institutions -such as universities and research centers- and the Antarctica, inserting it in this way as a geostrategic interest of the country