How can we solve the problem of substorms? (A review)

The works in the alternative direction of magnetospheric studies are reviewed. In contrast to the traditional approach, where the basis process is magnetic field line reconnection, transformation of kinetic energy into electromagnetic one at the bow shock front is the basis process in the proposed approach. It has been indicated that this new paradigm makes it possible to overcome the main difficulties that remained within the scope of the previous paradigm. It has been briefly demonstrated how several following processes and phenomena are explained within the scope of the new approach: (1) transformation of the solar wind kinetic energy into the electromagnetic energy; (2) electromagnetic energy transfer into the magnetosphere; (3) organization of the system of bulk currents, formation of field- aligned currents from the magnetosphere, and compatibility of these currents with the ionospheric current systems; (4) shape, value, and dynamics of the particle precipitation auroral regions; and (5) substorm expansion (auroral breakup). Other possibilities of the new approach and paradigm replacement consequences are briefly considered.