Abstract: The subject of this research is the exploration of Arctic, its economic development, and use of resources on the scientific basis as the crucial policy avenue of the Soviet Union. The International Society for the Exploration of the Arctic Regions by Airship (Aeroarctic) made a significant contribution to the research of the Russian Arctic. The success and performance of the Soviet members of this society largely depended on the organizational and norm-setting measures taken by the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR and its commissions in the late 1920s. For elucidation of the role of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR in organizing international cooperation of the Soviet scholars, the article employs the materials from the State Archive of the Russian Federation and St. Petersburg Central State Archive of Scientific and Technical Documentation. Among noteworthy results of international cooperation within the framework of “Aeroarctic” are the following: 1) organization of the 2nd Congress of Aeroarctic Society held in Leningrad in 1928; 2) inclusion of the possibility of establishing trans-Arctic air routes between Europe and America in the five-year plan of research activity of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute for 1928 – 1933. In the activity of the Council of People's Commissars on the issues of Soviet participation in “Aeroarctic”, the author observes the proclivity for providing the procesude for recognition of the Arctic territories of the USSR by the global community; as well as protect the Soviet Arctic territories from the claims of foreign states. The second half of 1920s marks a major breakthrough in development of the Arctic in the USSR reflected in conduct of regular scientific research, acquisition of reliable knowledge on this remote part of the Earth, discovery of mineral deposits, which also allowed among strengthening defense potential of the country.

Abstract: After the October Revolution, Russian undergone substantial effort on creation of the theory of Soviet law. One of the concepts developed in the 1920’s was the theory of M. A. Reisner, who leaned on the psychological theory of law of Leon Petrażycki and Marxism. Las was viewed as the phenomenon of psyche, but of separate classes (i.e. peasantry or workers) rather than of a separate individual. At the initial state of development of the Soviet law, this concept allowed to a certain extent explain the drastic changes experienced by the national law. Although lawmaking was assessed as the activity severely influenced by the government, the lawmaking in the Soviet State was considered as an organizing activity. Analysis is conducted on the main writings of M. A. Reisner outlining the conceptual grounds of the doctrine. The legal categories, through which he elucidated the concept of law and lawmaking are determined. This theory associates the division of law into public and private with the dominance of private property. The perception of state and law as a seamless unity is subjected to criticism. The conclusion is made that law is an ideological form, while lawmaking is a form of expressing common law, which is achieved and established by the state as a result of class compromise.

Abstract: The Russian Federation launched a pilot program referred to as “Far Eastern Hectare”, aimed at reducing migration of population from the Far East and encouraging Russian citizens to live and work in the Far East Federal Okrug. Based on the analysis of social polling, the article identifies several issues of implementation of the Federal Law No. 119 from May 1, 2016 “About features of provision to citizens of the parcels of land which are in the state-owned or municipal property and located in the territories of the subjects of the Russian Federation which are part of the Far Eastern Federal District and about modification of separate legal acts of the Russian Federation”. The article utilizes the results of Russian national and regional social inquiries, illustrating key problems with implementation of this program. It was determined that the legal regulators at this stage of implementation of the program do not always account for the social factors. The research demonstrates that people interested in participating in this program require certain measures of state support, including coverage of transportation and household expenses for the initial period of settling in the new territory. The current law targets the active portion of the population, while the vast majority of interested citizens require social guarantees from the government.