Contribution of S.Yu. Vitte to the development of insurance relations in tsarist Russia

Subject. Economic activity of S. Yu. Witte and his contribution to insurance coverage as a method of risk mitigation in the national economy of tsarist Russia.

Purpose. Assessment of S. Yu. Witte's contribution to the trajectory of insurance development as the most important method of risk mitigation during the transition to an industrial society and substantiation of its importance for the national economy of tsarist Russia.

Methodology. The research methodology is based on a systems approach, which sanctioned the assessment of S. Yu. Witte's position on insurance coverage against unfavorable factor components and, on this basis, ensuring further promotion of insurance in tsarist Russia. In the course of the work, the following methods of scientific knowledge were used: historiographic method, analysis, synthesis, generalization. The scientific novelty of the study consists in assessing the role of S. Yu. Witte in the development of insurance theory and practice in tsarist Russia and the materialization of his experience in organizing supervision of the activities of insurance business entities by organizations with regulatory powers.

Results. In the scientific literature, the legacy of S. Yu. Witte, in terms of his contribution to the theory and practice of Russia's economic development, has been thoroughly researched and appreciated. There is a gap in assessing its role in expanding the boundaries of insurance as a tool to reduce the impact of adverse factors in all spheres of life, and in justifying the feasibility of introducing a regulatory function by the supervisory authorities for insurance business entities.

Conclusions. It is concluded that the contribution of S. Yu. Witte to drawing attention to insurance as a method of mitigating the impact of unfavorable environmental factors, to justifying the need and feasibility of state regulation of institutions providing insurance coverage services by regulatory authorities, remains relevant in the modern world in the context of increased industrial and environmental risks. It is appropriate to familiarize ourselves with the legacy of S. Yu. Witte in the field of insurance to enhance his role in the economic life of modern society.

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