Vera Kichanova: Lessons From Odessa
“That’s the biggest catch-22 of Free Cities. You’re creating a refuge from the rules of a government, but ultimately, you’re at the whim of the same government that has made the situation so bad in the first place.”
On this week’s podcast, I sat down with the Free Cities Foundation’s senior economist Vera Kichanova.
During our discussion we explore Odessa’s historical role as a model for Free Cities and Special Economic Zones, highlighting its rise in the late 18th century as a thriving economic hub due to unique governance and cultural freedoms.
Vera discusses why such models are not more widely adopted today, considering competition from cities like Dubai and Singapore and the need for strong economic incentives and community engagement.
The conversation also examines how Free Cities can address modern urban challenges, particularly in unstable regions, with Vera expressing optimism about the growing interest in alternative governance models.
Enjoy the conversation.