Final answer:
The polar circles are central to Russia due to their impact on the country's climate, history, and military strategy, exemplified by strategic northern cities and emblematic of Soviet aspirations in Cold War propaganda.
Step-by-step explanation:
The polar circles are significant to Russia as they influence the country's climate, geopolitics, and history. North Pole exploration and flights showcase Soviet achievements, symbolized by the vivid imagery in posters of Tupolev planes marked “Stalin's falcons” signifying Soviet progress. Russia's expansive northern borders also contribute to its severe winter climate, impacting agriculture and necessitating grain imports to feed its population.
Historically, the Russification policy aimed to unify the diverse ethnic groups within the Russian Empire by promoting Russian language and culture, but this was met with resistance and limited success. Additionally, the cities of Murmansk and Arkhangelsk, near the polar circle, underscore Russia's military and commercial maritime capabilities, with Murmansk harboring a major military port due to its ice-free status, thanks to the North Atlantic drift.