U.S. Science Cuts in Antarctica May Embolden China and Russia
The New York TimesSaturday, July 5, 2025 at 9:00:55 AM
The U.S. is scaling back its scientific research operations in Antarctica, a move that could create a power vacuum in the region. With American presence waning, geopolitical rivals like China and Russia might seize the opportunity to expand their influence—both scientifically and strategically—in this remote but politically sensitive continent.
Editor’s Note: Antarctica isn’t just about penguins and ice—it’s a hotspot for scientific discovery and, increasingly, geopolitical maneuvering. The U.S. has long been a leader in Antarctic research, but pulling back could hand the upper hand to nations with more ambitious (and less cooperative) agendas. This isn’t just about who gets to study glaciers; it’s about who sets the rules in one of the world’s last unclaimed frontiers.
— Curated via WP Now’s
