The concept of security has never been far from discussions about Antarctic geopolitics. Concerns about the national security of states active in the Antarctic were arguably at the heart of the negotiations leading up to the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959. These concerns are reflected in the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty relating to the demilitarisation and non-weaponisation of the continent, and the proverbial ‘freezing’ of territorial claims. Since the mid-20th century, however, the concept of security has expanded significantly to include a range of issues distinct from national security. Furthermore, differing security discourses have emerged: that is, differing understandings of whose security is at stake, from what, and the means through which security can be achieved.

This dissertation adopts a critical approach to security to consider how the concept of security has been used in relation to the Antarctic in English-language academic literature from 2008 to 2022. It outlines five key security discourses prevalent in the literature – national, regime, maritime, environmental, and human security – and considers the threats articulated and the means of providing security discussed. Drawing on this analysis, this dissertation highlights several key themes and tensions within the literature, including the privileged role of the state, competing means to providing security, and the potential for academia to contribute to the securitisation of Antarctic issues. Ultimately, this dissertation seeks to critically assess the way in which the concept of security has been constructed in relation to Antarctic politics, and highlight further research opportunities to ensure the Antarctic forever remains a region of peace.