Система административно-территориального деления как инструмент обеспечения развития регионов РА / The System of Administrative-Territorial Division as a Tool For Ensuring Regional Development in the Republic of Armenia

The article examines the administrative-territorial division as a fundamental mechanism for enhancing regional development and optimizing local governance structures in the Republic of Armenia. The study analyzes the objectives, stages, and institutional outcomes of community consolidation reforms, emphasizing their role in strengthening fiscal sustainability, administrative capacity, and service accessibility. Special attention is given to the spatial and socio-economic effects of the reforms, including the reallocation of human and financial resources, the transformation of infrastructure provision, and the reorganization of local governance systems. The findings demonstrate that the enlargement of communities contributed to reducing territorial fragmentation, improving the efficiency of administrative functions, and expanding access to essential public services. However, persistent challenges are identified, such as uneven development between central and peripheral areas, disparities in access to infrastructure, limited civic participation, and residual institutional asymmetries. The article argues that while the administrative-territorial reforms have created favorable conditions for more balanced regional development, further policy adjustments are required to promote inclusiveness, transparency, and equitable distribution of resources. Strengthening participatory governance mechanisms and investing in underdeveloped areas are recognized as critical factors for achieving sustainable and territorially cohesive growth.