Stuck in transition: Russian regional planning policy between spatial polarization and equalization

Abstract

The preparation of a nationwide framework for Russian regional planning policy has been impeded by an ongoing conflict between two competing logics of territorial organization: that of “polarized” or “equalized” development. This paper analyzes the preparation of the nationwide framework for regional planning within the context of political authoritarianism and continuing neoliberal reforms. The findings indicate (1) a stalemate in the preparation of regional policy, caused by fundamental contradictions between authoritarian centralization and the need to stimulate growth; (2) that in the absence of coherent regional policy, the government and other actors employ ad hoc “unguided” approaches to regional development projects; and (3) that the main result is an increasingly polarized pattern of development.