The Russian north in the process of decolonization: social and cultural risks in the European North of Russia

On the basis of the historical, ethnographic, demographic and ethnological data the historical, demographic and ethno-cultural processes currently taking place in the European/Russian North are considered. The discussion starts with the analysis of the concept the “Russian North” as well as of the historical reasons that have led to its emergence and ensured its rooting. The estimation of the social and cultural resources of this marker in current conditions is given. It is argued that the centuries-old process of colonization of the Russian North is over, but the process of its decolonization has begun.The myth about the Russian North as a store of the cultural treasures of the Russian nation, the cultural core of the Russian state, is not used any more. Therefore, the Russian North has lost its cultural attractiveness.Along with the cultural attractiveness, the Russian North has also lost its social appeal: neither the people from other regions nor the population of the Russian North perceive the region as a profitable job market and a place to make a successful personal carrier. Strategies of regional development do not use the historical and cultural experiences of local communities. Furthermore, the interests of these communities often come into conflict with those of extractive companies, which tend to be more successful in lobbying their interests in the regional governments than the local population.As the decolonization proceeds, social and cultural risks grow and this can leadto significant disproportions in the social development of the region.It is obvious, that the general Arctic strategy should include a macroregional strategy of development. This strategy should give full consideration to the historical, cultural and social resources of the Russian North as well as the peculiarities of the social and cultural processes taking place there.