This book presents results from a comparative research effort on the role of governance and participation in community development in the Circumpolar North. Studies from Norway, Russia, and Canada make up the empirical context of this research. The message that this volume conveys, is that the role of local democratic processes should not be neglected when debating ends and means in local development. Even though there are large scale developments taking place, and strong outside forces determining the paths of development in many northern communities, it would be unwise to neglect the role that the grass-roots and political participation play. The studies presented in this volume show that local democratic processes vary in intensity, scope and organisational forms. In short, the book is about local governance and its roles in improving community viability in the northern periphery.