The Norwegian-Russian arctic borderland: from the common districts till Pomor zone

In the present article the authors analyse the history of the Norwegian-Russian state border. Three main periods are pointed out. In the middle ages and Early Modern Period there existed a large frontier or common taxation district. Thence the common district gradually shrank until in 1826 a permanent territorial border was drawn. In the Soviet epoch the border became almost hermetically closed. To-day it is again opening up and politicians and researchers on both sides are discussing the possibility of establishing a joint Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a new and modern form of common district.