Russia between the two capitals: Specifics of territorial changes

Abstract

The paper analyzes an important feature of Russia, i.e., hystorical presence of two capitals, as well as intercapital space. The ratio of the population and functions of capitals varied for more than two centuries. The special role of the intercapital area, which is significantly affected by both cities, is considered. Paradoxes of contraction of the Russian socioeconomic space are evident there, i.e., major centers have become closer to each other, while the area between centers becomes distanced from them. At the same time, suburbs of capitals and the inner periphery have different developmental paths that, by the end of the 20th century, led to depopulation, depression, and demo-economic desertification almost everywhere in Tver and Novgorod oblasts (excluding suburbs of Tver and Novgorod). Here, typical trends in the non-Chernozem area are reinforced by the specificity of natural landscapes and strong social polarization associated with the development of capitals, migration of the population to capitals, and its war losses. In the middle of the intercapital area, a network of small towns developed, rather than a large city, resulting in a rich recreational space, the socioeconomic life here is also supported by Moscow and St. Petersburg dachniks. The specifics of this area are considered. The main feature of the area is the focal economic modernization and the creation of a new anthropogenic landscape. Against the background of abandoned agricultural lands and ruins of old enterprises powerful local development centers emerge based on foreign capital and investment.