THE MISSION WORTH STRIVING FOR: A REALIST’S APPROACH TO HOIST BANGLADESH’S NATIONAL FLAG IN ANTARCTICA
Keywords:
Antarctic, Climate Change Challenges, Development, Realism, StrategyAbstract
Reality emphasizes that nation-states are fundamentally driven by national interests to secure political autonomy and territorial integrity. Once these interests are preserved, national interests may take different forms such as acquiring more resources, mitigating existential climate change challenges. Climate experts posit that climate change impacts pose a formidable challenge to Bangladesh's development efforts, human security and the future. Thus, this study analyses whether national interest of acquiring additional resources vis-à-vis comprehensive environmental protection is a better option for sustainable development in Bangladesh. Specifically, it examines whether entering into an agreement with the 'Antarctic Treaty Nations' would be at a premium for Bangladesh's quest for developed status. This analytical research is based on primary and secondary sources. Most of the data are qualitative and descriptive method has been applied. The result suggests that Bangladesh needs to strategize future endeavors balancing between harnessing additional resources while dealing effectively with climate change. On this basis, before Bangladesh's leadership react to the realities of nature against rising waters due to global warming, it is imperative to know about the Antarctic, which remains, for many a 'terra incognita'. It is to provide strategies for Bangladesh's admission into the elite club of the 'Antarctic Treaty Nations'. It is also to initiate creative contemplation among academia and practitioners alike to acknowledge the importance to hoist Bangladesh's national flag in Antarctica as a symbol of national pride, prosperity, and commitment to 'ensure bright future for generations to come'. Moreover, what could be the most befitting date to boost the process and set the declaration to hoist the flag in Antarctica than the 'Mujib Barsha' Centenary celebration?
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