After nickel : a multiplicity of perspectives on the urban transformation in Nikel, Russia

Abstract

Globalization processes have had a major impact on the development of the global political economy, and the role cities have in it as actors reshaping the international community. This thesis follows an urban transformation of a monotown called Nikel, Russia, which is undergoing an urban transformation due to the closure of its main production site. I examine the changes Nikel is going through by drawing on the efforts of those actors who are conducting the change and the experiences of those who witness the change firsthand – the inhabitants of Nikel. The study uses the post-socialist city concept as a theoretical background, arguing that the settlement is developing with an intent to become capitalist through different levels of transitory processes. It uses qualitative content analysis of strategies and policies of different state and nonstate actors which decide the development of Nikel, and semi-structured interviews with inhabitants of Nikel about their experiences with the change. Through an analysis of documents that establish the development processes for Nikel, and the comparison of them to the reflections of inhabitants, I come to the conclusion that the urban transformation of Nikel has had shortcomings, some of which are directly related to covid-19 and the current tense international political climate. The inhabitants support the transformation only partially, finding the developments positive but insufficient and uncomprehensive. The transformation of Nikel adds to the picture of globalization across different contexts, in this case – the post-socialist monotown context.