Differentiation of regional development and economic security threats

Abstract

Aim. The work aimed to develop an approach for assessing the significance of regional differentiation in ensuring the economic security of the Russian Federation (RF).

Objectives. The work analyzes the evolution of theoretical ideas on economic security, explores approaches for assessing the impact of regional differentiation on sustainable economic development and their legal consolidation, and structures the risks of economic security caused by the increase in regional differentiation.

Methods. The study employed comparative and historical analysis, monographic and legal research methods, and structural and graphical modeling.

Results. The article proves that high regional differentiation is a critical factor affecting eco[1]nomic security both for individual regions and the country as a whole. While differentiation is historically present in all states, its manifestations vary. In Russia (earlier, in the USSR), regional differentiation has traditionally been pronounced, which is due to the significant number of regions that constitute the country, as well as the diversity of their inherent economic conditions. Recent economic instability, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and anti-Russian sanctions, has intensified threats to economic security linked to regional differentiation.

Conclusions. Socioeconomic regional differentiation significantly exacerbates economic imbalances. Reducing this differentiation would enhance economic security, improve living standards, foster social harmony, and mitigate potential conflicts associated with the uneven distribution of goods and resources. This requires interdepartmental cooperation at the federal, regional, and municipal levels, as well as active involvement of public organizations and businesses in regulatory efforts in the subject area.