115 - Vera Kichanova: Lessons From Odessa

Special Economic Zones, Odessa, Economic Freedom, Urban Planning, Free Cities, Urbanization, Architecture And Design, Sustainable Cities, Political Freedom, Urban Economist.

Timothy Allen talks with Vera Kichanova.

Vera Kichanova is the senior economist at the Free Cities Foundation and a policy researcher at Zaha Hadid Architects and King’s College London. Her PhD thesis explores the future of private urban development — from charter cities in emerging economies to start-up nations in neutral waters. Vera’s career has spanned roles including elected Municipal Councillor in Moscow, Editor-in-Chief at the Atlas Network-affiliated publication in Kyiv, and President of the Oxford Hayek Society.

On today's show 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.

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:30) Introduction

(05:37) Start of conversation

(08:24) Why don't we see more Odessa's in the contemporary world?

(10:37) Comparing Odessa & Dubai

(13:23) The history of Odessa

(18:50) Cultural innovation Dubai

(28:45) The Death & Life of Great American Cities

(35:40) Modern architecture and longevity

(42:59) Why was Odessa so successful?

(46:15) Porto Franco regimes

(48:00) What initially attracted people to Odessa?

(50:33) The 'Tax havens for the wealthy' narrative

(52:50) What is the current state of Odessa?

(59:00) Will new Free Zones be built in Ukraine?

(1:06:50) Problems with governments

(1:11:25) Próspera v…