Geopolitical transformations of the Antarctic Treaty and the adaptive role of the Colombian Navy toward 2048

Authors

  • Cedrid Gómez Torregrosa Armada de Colombia. Arc Tayrona. Jefe del Departamento de Ingeniería
  • Carlos Andrés López Lozano Armada de Colombia. ARC Indomable. Jefe Departamento de Operaciones
  • Ricardo José Molares Babra Consultor oceanografico

Keywords:

Antarctic Treaty, geopolitics, geostrategy, Colombia, National Navy

Abstract

For more than six decades, the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) has guaranteed the peaceful and scientific preservation of the white continent, preventing its militarization and new sovereignty claims. However, geopolitical competition and pressure on natural resources point to a scenario of tension towards 2048, the year in which the Madrid Protocol could be revised. The objective of this research is to analyze the geopolitical and geostrategic transformations that would emerge in the event of a possible modification of the Antarctic regime, identifying its implications for Colombia and the adaptive role of its Navy in national maritime projection. The methodology is qualitative, with a descriptive design and comparative analysis of institutional, regulatory, and academic sources.

The results show that Colombia must consolidate its scientific and strategic presence through logistical strengthening, international cooperation, and scientific diplomacy. It is concluded that the National Navy can play a decisive role as an instrument of maritime projection and support for Antarctic governance if it adapts its operational and research capabilities to the emerging scenarios of the polar system.

Author Biographies

Cedrid Gómez Torregrosa, Armada de Colombia. Arc Tayrona. Jefe del Departamento de Ingeniería

Commander (Frigate Captain). A professional in Naval Sciences with an emphasis in electronic engineering, graduated from the Naval Cadet School “Almirante Padilla.” He has oriented his career toward the development of scientific research applied to maritime power and Colombia’s Antarctic projection.

He participated in Colombia’s first scientific expedition to Antarctica, serving as CIC, Navigation, and Communications Officer. Since 2016, he has developed his career within the National Navy’s Submarine Flotilla, holding positions ranging from Division Officer to Department Head.

He is currently pursuing a Specialization in Maritime Policy and Strategy, with a focus on maritime geopolitics. He is co-author of the project “Geopolitical Transformations of the Antarctic Treaty and the Adaptive Role of the Colombian Navy toward 2048.”

Carlos Andrés López Lozano, Armada de Colombia. ARC Indomable. Jefe Departamento de Operaciones

A professional in Naval Sciences, graduated from the Naval Cadet School “Almirante Padilla,” with specialization as a submarine executive officer and first-class diver.

He has developed his career in the Colombian Navy’s Submarine Flotilla since 2016, serving in positions ranging from Division Officer to Department Head, in both national and international operational environments.

He is currently pursuing a Specialization in Maritime Policy and Strategy, with an emphasis on maritime geopolitics. He is co-author of the project “Geopolitical Transformations of the Antarctic Treaty and the Adaptive Role of the Colombian Navy toward 2048.”

Ricardo José Molares Babra, Consultor oceanografico

MSc Physical Oceanographer, graduate of the “Almirante Padilla” Naval Cadet School, with postgraduate studies in Europe in the fields of integrated coastal zone management and marine engineering.

He has extensive experience in oceanographic research in the Pacific and the Caribbean, where he served as both a researcher and director at maritime research centers. He was the chief scientist of Colombia’s first expedition to Antarctica and served as Colombia’s representative to the International Maritime Organization.

He is currently an independent consultant in oceanography, coastal management, and maritime development, collaborating with sectors such as offshore energy and environmental management. He has contributed to the development of technical guidelines for coastal erosion management in Colombia and serves as a visiting professor at naval training institutions, as well as a collaborator in oceanographic data quality assurance processes.

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Published

04/21/2026

How to Cite

Gómez Torregrosa, C., López Lozano, C. A., & Molares Babra, R. J. (2026). Geopolitical transformations of the Antarctic Treaty and the adaptive role of the Colombian Navy toward 2048 . DERROTERO, 20(01), 14. Retrieved from https://revistasescuelanaval.com/derrotero/article/view/168

Issue

Vol. 20 Núm. 01 (2026)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Rafhael Antonio López Cárdenas, Carlos Andrés López Lozano, Ricardo José Molares Babra

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