Abandoning the Nest: Regional Mergers and Their Impact on the Russian North

Abstract

The impacts of proposed regional mergers on the northern autonomous okrugs (districts) of Russia are explored and discussed. The paper begins by examining the link between federalism, diversity, and the protection of vulnerable peoples living in remote and northern regions. Following an overview of the challenges facing Russia's northern regions in the post-Soviet period, the author outlines the factors and groups that are influencing the debate over the future of the northern okrugs. He also discusses the potential political, economic, and social consequences of regional mergers for Russia's northern inhabitants.