ABSTRACT
Academics have concentrated upon Antarctic traditions, and Bertrand's history of American exploration prompted the conclusion that: the author has oft-stressed the influence of Britain's historic role in Antarctic exploration, research and resource matters as an influence upon current British thinking. As a result, several countries, which have experienced a long-standing, albeit occasionally discontinuous, involvement in Antarctica, possess a significant Antarctic tradition, and this historical dimension provides an important foundation for present and future developments, such as highlighted also by Lord Shackleton's frequent stress upon tradition as the basis for a more active British policy towards the region. The acrimonious tone of the diplomatic exchanges between London on the one hand and Buenos Aires or Santiago on the other hand demonstrated the deterioration of international relations in Antarctica, and these developments were associated with the performance of various symbolic acts designed to reinforce and publicise sovereignty claims.
