ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the interests and capabilities of the key players at the federal, the regional and local levels, and among corporations and social groups. It traces the evolution of centre-periphery relations between Moscow and the regions. The chapter examines the evolution of decision-making in Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (YaNAO). It also examines which player is most likely to promote sustainability goals by focusing on a case study of the YaNAO. Policy implementation in YaNAO is difficult because the economy is heavily dependent on the fluctuations in the price of oil and natural gas. The key players involved in Russia's Arctic policy-making and implementation can be divided into: state and society. Within the state, the key actors are the federal, regional, and local governments. In society it is corporations and organizations, both international and domestic. Both Russian and international energy corporations see the Arctic as a place to make large profits from developing resources; they have little interest in sustainability issues.
