State of Permafrost

State Power, Non‐Eternalism, and Monitoring Frozen Earth in Russia

Dados Bibliográficos

ID7472018
AutoresAnastasiya Halauniova (0000-0003-4557-4596, Centre for the Sociology of Organisations (CSO) Sciences Po Paris France, autor correspondente)
Ano2026
Volume58
Fascículo2
Data de publicação2026-03-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoAntipode (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0066-4812 • E-ISSN: 1467-8330
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/anti.70074
OpenAlexW4414676910
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas1
Referências citadas37

While grounds form the physical foundation of states, their particular qualities are often overlooked in studies of state power. This article explores how the Russian state integrates permafrost—ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years—into its extractive ambitions amid accelerating climate change. Covering nearly 65% of Russia's territory, permafrost regions are central to the country's oil, gas, coal and non‐ferrous metal industries. However, rising temperatures are causing rapid permafrost thaw. Following the 2020 Norilsk diesel spill—one of Russia's most severe environmental disasters—the state established its first unified, state‐sponsored permafrost monitoring system. Based on interviews with scientists, engineers and state officials, alongside archival research and discourse analysis, this study traces the development of this permafrost monitoring system and reveals how thawing permafrost—once regarded as stable and “eternal”—is now framed as particularly unstable and requiring enhanced state control. Building on insights from the “subterranean turn” in geography, I argue that permafrost's instability unsettles state imaginaries premised on solid ground and reveals the material limits of state power. The article situates these dynamics within Russia's imperial history, demonstrating how frozen earth both supports and constrains state power

Arctic and Russian Policy Studies · Indigenous Studies and Ecology · Polar Research and Ecology