I first became interested in this topic as I listened to various people discuss the Antarctic Treaty System. Occasionally one of them would express concern that the pressures of the outside world would, in the not so distant future, bring about the collapse of the Treaty. I do not know whether these negative comments were born out of cynicism or simply an attempt to be realistic. However, I thought it would be worthwhile to do my own research into the subject. At least then, I would have some knowledge to allow me to participate in the debate. With the seemingly endless reporting of natural disasters and examples of human frailty that the media thrive upon, it is easy to become pessimistic about our political institutions. However, this negativism does a major disservice to the achievements that have been won by hard effort, by determination and by co-operation, since that cold December morning in Washington, DC, in 1959 when the representatives of twelve sovereign States, each with strong interests in the great Southern continent, signed the Antarctic Treaty. (External Affairs – Conference on Antarctica)