Socio-Economic and Philosophical Analysis of the Spatial Development of Mountainous Areas at the Local Level of the North Caucasus: The Chechen, Kabardino-Balkarian, and Karachayevo-Circassian Republics

This research explores the processes of balanced development of mountain settlements (local level) in three North Caucasus republics: the Chechen, Kabardino-Balkarian, and Karachayevo-Circassian Republics. The problem of sustainable development of mountain territories is actualized as the most significant for the stable development of the Russian Federation. The methodology of the research approach is supported, and numerous components of the systemic approach are discussed. The authors proposed considering the issues of sustainable mountain development through the lens of a new scientific discipline – montology. The increase of scientific knowledge was carried out based on an interdisciplinary approach. The authors talk about the metaphysics of mountains, making it possible to fundamentally address the topics under research and get to the basic causes of the issues under investigation. The challenges of institutional interaction between traditional and new institutions are explored based on the experience of field research in mountain villages of the three republics. There are recommendations for future investigation.