Managing and Engineering Complex Technological Systems

Chapter 3.1

Developments in a Complex, Technological World – The Aviation and Space Industries

3.1.1 “Structured, Multidisciplinary Methods of Resolving Lateral Problems”

An Interview with Norman Augustine

The government of the United States engages in diverse and widespread activities at the South Pole. According to the American perception, the southern continent of Antarctica should not be under the jurisdiction of any particular country; it belongs to the world. True to this position, the United States established a research station at the South Pole, making no territorial claims and has been cooperating with various countries in conducting research studies of the continent. These studies range from investigations into the origin of the universe to the impact of global warming on sea-level rise.

In addition to the station's research objectives, its location also bears geo-political significance: the government of the United States bases its viewpoint on the assumption that if they were to leave such a strategic location, other countries might seek control over the area – possibly even leading to military conflict. A number of nations have in fact made claims of ownership of (sometimes overlapping) parts of Antarctica, nearly all of which include the South Pole area. Therefore, in order to advance science and prevent such a situation with its sensitive implications from occurring, the government of the United States has been operating and financing the research station ...