Human and infrastructural connectivity of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation: methodological approaches to research

Abstract

The aim of the present paper is to introduce to the reader a new project “Arctic Connectivity: People and Infrastructures” (Russian Fund for Fundamental Research grant № 18-05-60108, received within the programme “Fundamental problems of research in the Russian Arctic: natural and social environment”). The three-year research project described in the article began in 2018 and is done by the Centre for Arctic Social Studies (European University, St Petersburg). The approach is based on the central concept of connectivity. The main aim of the research is to study different kinds of connections that make possible movement of people, objects, and information both within the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF) and between AZRF and other parts of the country. The research uses holistic approach with its simultaneous and integrated attention to both social ties of the people who live and work in the AZRF and the physical infrastructure (roads and railroads, air and water transport, telecommunication etc.) that supports these ties. Despite the common stereotype, AZRF is not separated from the rest of the country. Multiple ties, both infrastructural and symbolic, unite the region by providing exchange of people, objects, and information between its parts, and link AZRF to the southern parts of the country. The target group of the ongoing research includes both indigenous and non-indigenous population. From the theoretical perspective, the research will help validate a working hypothesis of special importance of connectivity for the Arctic region. The research will help fill gaps in our fragmentary knowledge of the social life of the Arctic. From a practical viewpoint, the project will help plan the development of AZRF more rationally.