Interregional Inequalities in the Context of Disproportions in the Development of Small and Large Cities in Russia

The article examines the problems of development, disproportions and spatial inequality of Russian regions, the reasons for the economic and sociocultural stagnation of small regional cities, the lack of balance in the development of large cities and small settlements in the context of interregional inequality. An analysis of the study of problems and reasons for updating the quality of life of the population of small towns is presented, and the possibilities for their development are considered. It is emphasized that population growth in agglomera-tions does not always lead to better living conditions. The emphasis is laid on the human-centered system of assessment of this indicator, which is conditioned by cultural characteristics and value system. It is stressed that in modern Russia regional management uses a model of active social policy based on the inclusion of human capital in the process of overcoming the inequalities of territories. Conclusion emphasizes the fact that promot-ing the development of civic and creative potential of small town residents to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of small settlements is the most important task of the authorities in the context of Russia’s strategic geopolitics.