Lenaland: analysis of Yakutia’s geopolitical status in the 21st century

Abstract

The article examines the key features of the geopolitical status of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) as a distinctive geopolitical actor through the lens of the «Lenaland» concept. The relevance of the topic lies in the growing importance of Yakutia in both intra-Russian and global geopolitical processes; the need for scholarly support of regional government policies in the context of geopolitics; and the underdevelopment of regional geopolitical characteristics of the republic in academic research. The study’s methodology is based on classical geopolitical theory, critical (internal) geopolitical approach, organicist approach, and the theory of Neo-Eurasianism. The research aims to identify Yakutia’s core geopolitical characteristics to analyze its geopolitical status and to reinterpret the concept of «Lenaland» within the framework of modern Russian geopolitics. The study reveals: geographical features influencing the republic’s role as a geopolitical actor; resulting geopolitical challenges; and strategic directions for state authorities. The concept of «Lenaland» is reinterpreted from its Anglo-Saxon classical geopolitical definition to a modern Russian geopolitical theory within the Neo-Eurasianist school.