State of Permafrost: State Power, Non‐Eternalism, and Monitoring Frozen Earth in Russia

Abstract While grounds form the physical foundation of states, their particular qualities are often overlooked in studies of state power. This article explores how the Russian state integrates permafrost—ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years—into its extractive ambitions amid accelerating climate change. Covering nearly 65% of Russia's territory, permafrost regions are central to the country's oil, gas, coal and non‐ferrous metal industries. However, rising temperatures are causing rapid permafrost thaw. Following the 2020 Norilsk diesel spill—one of Russia's most severe environmental disasters—the state established its first unified, state‐sponsored permafrost monitoring system. Based on interviews with scientists, engineers and state officials, alongside archival research and discourse analysis, this study traces the development of this permafrost monitoring system and reveals how thawing permafrost—once regarded as stable and “eternal”—is now framed as particularly unstable and requiring enhanced state control. Building on insights from the “subterranean turn” in geography, I argue that permafrost's instability unsettles state imaginaries premised on solid ground and reveals the material limits of state power. The article situates these dynamics within Russia's imperial history, demonstrating how frozen earth both supports and constrains state power.