This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Russian Revolution, which brought down the czars and paved the way for the Soviet Union.

Fifteen states broke off from that country in 1991, but Russia remains an undeniable political and economic powerhouse in the region. Its influence spills beyond its frontiers — and it has plenty of those. Russia borders 14 countries, more than any other.

Documentary photographers from the collective TerraProject set out this year to document Russia's relationship with eight Western neighbors living in its shadow — from border towns to industrial ports — and to explore their unique political, cultural and ecological relationships.

Politically, a border marks off a nation, with all the accompanying symbols and institutions. But culturally and economically, it represents a fusion of cultures, influenced by tradition — and commerce — on both sides. We'll start with Norway, and make our way south along Russia's western edge.