Studying the Russian Arctic: the experience of political analysis

The authors discuss the main directions of the political science study of the issues of development of northern regions of the country, the theoretical and applied research in the field of strategic management processes of spatial and territorial development of the North and the Russian Arctic. Key areas of political studies on the management of these processes are systematized and summarized, the main external and internal issues of the Arctic and subarctic regions of the country are analized, connected with the quality of the political process control systems of their spatial and social development. The mechanisms of accounting of interests of key actors in the North of Russia are investigated, recommendations for improving process of control mechanisms of spatial and social development of the northern regions of the country are given. The researchers specify the development of a new paradigm of considering the North and the Russian Arctic, involving the recognition of the value of the northern territories, not only as a resource base of the country, but mostly as social formations.