Abstract
In Russian society, emigration can, to a considerable extent, be considered a "brain drain." Until recently, it was mostly the countries of the near abroad that were involved. It had been thought that the "brain drain" problem had come up unexpectedly-first for the USSR and then for Russia. Nevertheless, emigration has a history that began long ago. Emigration fosters the exchange of ideas, experience, and abilities, and it helps a particular country to become integrated in the world community.