Intercity Networks as a Factor Promoting Arctic City Sustainability

Author(s): Nadezhda Zamyatina
Editor(s): Stephen Aris, Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder, Aglaya Snetkov
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 129
Pages: 4-6
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen; Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies, George Washington University
Publication Year: 2013

The migration flows of Russias northern cities are often blamed for many of the problems associated with urban Arctic centers, yet the development of social networks resulting from these flows, an often-ignored consequence, is a notable factor contributing to their sustainability. Due to Russias unique geography and political landscape, social networks are particularly essential in building economic and social sustainability. Using data describing youth migration compiled from the social networking site Vkontakte made it possible to establish the patterns of specific migration flows between a number of northern urban centers. Rather than being purely economic, migration flows appear to be strongly influenced by social networks. These networks help furnish northern cities with a number of return migrants, as well as influencing business networks. The typology and initial findings of this research helps to develop a platform from which further research into these trends can be launched.

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