UDC

930.2+94(47)084

Authors

Aleksandr A. Saburov
Higher School of Social Sciences, Humanities and International Communication,
Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov
2 prosp. Lomonosova, Arkhangelsk, 163002, Russian Federation;
e-mail: alexandersaburov@gmail.com

Abstract

On the basis of archival sources and published materials, the article analyses planning and coordination of research activities on Arctic islands and archipelagos in the RSFSR and USSR in 1920–1928. The author concludes that in the 1920s the exploration of this region became important at the national level for the first time in the country’s history. The main tasks of the Soviet Arctic research during this period were search for and exploitation of natural resources in the North, establishment of water communication between the European part of Russia and Siberia, as well as strengthening of the country’s positions in the region through its permanent presence in the disputed territories. The use of scientific activities as an instrument for protection of state interests in the Arctic in most of the cases was an initiative of people’s commissariats, research institutions and other organizations rather than Soviet top governing bodies. It should be noted that in the 1920s there was no such routine as overall planning of Arctic research with division of responsibilities between scientific institutions. Lack of coordinating structures for the large number of scientific institutions often resulted in inefficient use of available resources. Difficulties in Arctic research coordination during this period were partly smoothed by the close interaction within the scientific community. In particular, their cooperation involved co-organizing expeditions and operation of polar stations, providing scientific equipment and necessary materials for use, as well as mutual assistance in emergency situations.

Keywords

Arctic region, Arctic research, planning of scientific activities, science policy, USSR

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