Abstract: Special attention in this article is paid to the relationship between mythology and the modern idea of mentality. The conceptual foundations of national identity in the framework of the constructivist theory of international relations correlate with historical retrospect. The experience of assessing cultural characteristics suggests a close connection of the modern manifestation of identity with folklore, customs, histories and traditions of a certain society. The national identity of the people inhabiting the Kingdoms of Norway, Sweden and Denmark from the point of view of the soft power of states often refers to Scandinavian mythology. The role of the mythological perception of national identity helps to correctly interpret the peculiarities of the Northern mentality, contribute to building a cultural dialogue in the modern world. The main conclusion of the article is that the hermeneutical approach to the analysis of documents of Scandinavian mythology helps to understand the current trends in the development of Northern societies. The national question in the framework of constructivist theory is based on identity, which is closely related to historical retrospect, understanding the basics of which allows you to build a modern dialogue. The novelty of this study lies in the assessment of mythological cognition from the point of view of its role in the formation of the national identity of the Northern peoples. According to the constructivist theory of international relations, he argues that the modern world is built at the expense of invisible constructs, a detailed analysis of which helps to find a balance in the system of international relations.

Abstract: The subject of this research is the policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic. The object is Russia’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2021–2023. The author meticulously analyzes the positions of the state, taking into account national interests and peculiarities of the current international situation in the region. The article examines the domestic legislative acts adopted for regulation of the Arctic Region, as well as international documents aimed at sustainable development of the North. The conditions of collective security dictate moderate and clearly defined policy in the Arctic, which is the central arena for political action with the leading role of the Russian Federation until 2023. The conclusion is drawn that the Arctic Region is currently the most relevant vector of the policy of northern states. Chairmanship of the Russian Federation imposes enormous responsibility on the country, as despite the overall state of security in the region, there remains a range of unresolved issues. The attempts of institutionalization of the Arctic Council may become an implicit threat for the Russian Federation; this is why the systematization of domestic legislation and foreign policy actions on maintaining the health of ecosystem, cultural heritage, and environmental policy have become the priority vectors in the first year of Russia’s chairmanship. The overall responsibility of the leading actor the Arctic does not exclude the existence of classic threats to the security of state’s sovereignty, which requires accurate planning in subsequent years of the chairmanship.