Published: 15 January 2017
The article based on the analysis of regional policy in relation to peripheral areas, existing in European Union, USA, China and Russia. It is concluded that the existing Russian activities on the development of some regions, which can be regarded as a peripheral, not take into account their specific features. Comparative analysis of Russian and foreign experience of regional policy in relation to peripheral areas has allowed the authors as a reference to choose the European Union policy. On the basis of benchmarking suggested ways of improving the Russian regional policy in relation to the national and sub-national periphery. It's successful implementation will be linked to the legal consolidation of the concept of "periphery"; developing common criteria for reception of the state support to peripheral regions (municipal units) and its administrative centers; regulation of the participation of all levels of government in the processes of government support.