ABSTRACT
SCAR (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research) is a useful case study for Antarctic science, politics and IPY legacies because of its original role as the primary source of independent scientific advice to the Treaty parties. This chapter focuses primarily on the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research and its varying fortunes connected with the Antarctic Treaty System. The IGY of 1957-58 is credited with giving impetus to the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, even in times of great political turmoil. The chapter illustrates the uncomfortable coexistence between science and politics, and the machinations of restoring the balance through the IPY. It examines the contemporary relationship between science and politics in the polar regions, with a particular emphasis on the Antarctic and the role of SCAR and other scientific bodies in informing decision-making. The Antarctic is an exemplar of the science-policy interface because of its highly developed, legally binding regimes, the decisions from which have, theoretically, a foundation in high quality scientific research.
