4th International Scientific Conference “Arctic: History and Modernity”

Abstract

PrefaceIn the XXI century, the Arctic region plays an exceptional role in geopolitics. The richest natural resources (including energy), the development of technologies that allow these resources to be used, the growing importance of Northern sea communications and other factors have intensified the desire of leading states to take a strong position in the Arctic. At the same time, the enormous potential of the Arctic is of interest not only for the Arctic States, but also for those whose borders lie at a considerable distance from it. In this light, the research aimed at studying the continental shelf and clarifying its maritime boundaries, analyzing problems associated with human economic activity in the new conditions, with an emphasis on the negative consequences of this activity for the environment, including the solution of problems of defense, prevention and elimination of man-made disasters, the development of human capital and the preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of the Arctic, etc., are of particular importance. All these problems and many others were considered during the IV International scientific conference “Arctic: history and modernity”, which was held at the two universities. At Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (17-18 April 2019) 417 specialists from 17 regions of Russia and 6 foreign countries took part in the conference including 6 representative offices of the Russian Arctic regions (YANAO, Komi, Yakutia, Arkhangelsk region, Murmansk region and Nenets Autonomous district) and 4 general consuls of the Arctic Council observer countries (France, Italy, Germany, Poland). 176 reports were heard. 195 specialists from 8 regions of Russia and 2 foreign countries took part in the event at Murmansk State Technical University (April 23-24, 2019) including 2 Consuls General of the Arctic Council member countries (Norway and Finland). 104 reports were heard.This collection of scientific papers is the result of the conference work as an interdisciplinary discussion platform on the study and research of the Arctic.