Contradictions of Economic Integration in Siberia in S.Y. Witte’ Policy

Abstract

A major challenge to the trade and industrial policy of S.Y. Witte was the issue of economic integration of Siberia in the empire and in the European market. It was impossible to avoid further situation where the vast and rich regions to the east of the Urals had little to do with the central regions of Russia due to the underdevelopment of railways. However, integration is not only accelerated the development of Siberia, but also to identify conflicts of interest Siberian businessmen to seek cooperation with foreign companies, with the protectionist policies of the government and the benefit of merchants and landowners of the central provinces. Studying witte`s successes and failures in finding compromises between Russian and Siberian interests and his plans of the development of new transport routes and counter foreign influence on the development of the Russian North will be useful in the development of modern programs for the development of Siberia and the northern regions of Russia.