Choice of spatial development: agglomerations or belt of small and medium-sized cities

A characteristic feature of Russia is polarized spatial development: on the one hand, dynamically developing large cities, on the other - small, medium-sized cities and urban settlements with a predominantly difficult situation. Taking into account the trends and the current situation, it is necessary to conduct a qualitative assessment of the country's spatial development options. A review of the development of agglomerations, small and medium-sized cities. Both positive and negative aspects of each approach are revealed. Taking into account the trends of globalization and urbanization, it is concluded that it is necessary to combine them. As an option, it is proposed to use an integrated approach based on the development of the Urban Field, embedding small and medium-sized cities in the development of agglomerations.