A proliferation of political entities competes for authority and jurisdiction in Russia today. Although Russia is by no means unique in this regard, Russia's gravest environmental problems are often due to the neglect caused by the focus on competition for power. If, despite the vicissitudes of the Russian political landscape, a solid and reliable means of environmental administration were to emerge in the near future, foreign investors' interest in Russia could well be rekindled, and investment would begin to flow into Russia once more.
Problems remain with respect to maritime law as well. Russia's practice in terms of the right of innocent passage through straits, navigation of exclusive economic zones and compulsory navigational support are all contentious with respect to international law. However, most of these problems do not originate solely with Russia. They are rooted in customary practice and the clash of egos among great powers. The best path toward resolution of these issues is frank and open discussion and harmonization toward an international consensus, in an appropriate international convention such as the United Nations. In whatever manner the matter is resolved, it is critical that the question of whether Russia's legislations for the NSR conform to international law and customary be determined with due consideration for the principles of the maritime shipping market.
(1) Indigenous peoples
The coast followed by the NSR is peopled with numerous small tribes of indigenous inhabitants.
The Russian presence in Siberia dates back to the 16th century. By the 17th century the Yakut and Tungus peoples had been absorbed into the Russian state. During this period the Russians pushed rapidly into northeast Siberia, ultimately establishing a border with imperial China at the Amur River. Since the influx of Russians into Siberia in the 16th century, the indigenous peoples of Siberia suffered a litany of misfortune.
