Russia’s Spatial Development Strategy: New Solutions or Old Mistakes?

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article discuses spatial development by considering federal strategic planning documents. The strategies for the long-term development of Russia’s federal districts adopted by the federal government in 2010–2011 have not been effective tools of spatial development. An analysis of several government documents intended to regulate Russia’s spatial development strategy reveals the problems arising from the theoretical premises of the strategy. If the Russian economy continues to maintain low rates of development in the long term, the potential for directed spatial development is limited. At the same time, the continuation of existing trends has significant risks.