Is there any future for ‘slobodas' (settlements) in modern Russia?

Abstract

Considering historical experience in attracting foreigners from Western Europe to constant residence in Russia, the author comes to the conclusion about their significant contribution to the development of the country, involving the transfer of know-how, technology and skills that are traditional for the more developed countries from which they were from. There still exist many well - known companies founded by immigrants or their Russified descendants. It is proposed to consider the possibility of resuming the practice of the establishment of foreign ‘slobodas' (settlements); however all modern realities should be taken into consideration.