The Spatial Aspect of Assessing the Foreign Trade Potential of Russian Regions (Chorological Approach)

The article shows the possibilities of the chorological approach in assessing the foreign economic activity of Russian regions. The author’s definition of the chorological approach is provided. The selection of choroses (mesoregions with similar characteristics) within the Russian Federation is made using the methods of multidimensional classification and typology of regions based on a complex of natural and socioeconomic indicators. Configurationally, mesoregions are distinguished as the geographic areas–rings–with symbolic internal borders, but also, at the same time, natural state borders. The following chorological formations were distinguished: the outer chorological “ring,” consisting of 47 subjects; an intermediate “ring,” consisting of 23 subjects bordering on the subjects of the outer “ring;” an inner “ring,” the 13 subjects of which border only with the subjects of the intermediate “ring.” On the basis of the author’s method of ranking mesoregions, an assessment of the effectiveness of the chorological structure of the Russian Federation is given, and the following conclusions are drawn: (1) the most stable and effective chorological formation is the intermediate “ring;” (2) in terms of foreign economic potential, the inner “ring” is a significantly distinguished chorological ring, which is represented by the federal subjects of the European part of Russia, including Moscow, which, thanks to the existing system of economic management and financial accounting, occupies an exaggeratedly high place in the existing structure of production, distribution and export of various types of products; (3) the positions of the outer “ring” are relatively weak. However, it has a high resource and economic potential and, according to the world experience of successful development of border regions, has good development prospects. The results of the study may be used in the development of new principles of socioeconomic policy: the representation of the subjects of the Russian Federation in the form of interconnected choroses and enclaves makes it possible to effectively use the specifics of the territorial structure of the national economy, as well as to effectively organize the foreign economic activity of the Russian regions.

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