ABSTRACT
This chapter presents some of the contributions to the Soviet debate on regional development. It focuses on some of the current trends in the debate, as exemplified in the contributions made by pace-setting representatives from the republics. The debate between those who represent the interests of the European regions and those who represent the development of Siberia centers on two mutually related problems: The first is the role Siberia is to play in the Soviet Union's economy. Other discussants claim that it is necessary to develop Siberia to guarantee the Soviet Union's future growth. The chapter explores the background of policy decisions on the regional situation. It examines number of the goals of regional policy. The chapter shows how future investments are to be distributed among the different regions. The Communist Party and the Soviet administrative bodies are of course also concerned with the aims of Soviet regional policy and the setting of priorities.
