The Antarctic Treaty System came into effect in 1961 and was signed by 12 countries, with 7 of them making claims on Antarctic territory. There are now over 50 countries signed up to the Antarctic Treaty System, but the treaty is set to expire in 2049.  China, Russia, the USA, along with other middle-minor powers, are preparing to negotiate a new treaty, with some of them wanting to abandon the extant system that focuses Antarctic investment on scientific research. This podcast provides a brief description and history of Antarctica, followed by a snapshot of the treaty under which Antarctica is managed. It then analyzes how the major powers are positioning themselves and what the points of contention are.