The Economics of Forced Labor in the Soviet Union: a Historiographical Overview

The subject of the research is the Russian historiography of the post-Soviet period, which examines the genesis of the Soviet punitive system and the mechanism of functioning of such a state structure as the Main Directorate of Correctional Labor Camps (GULAG). The article contains an overview of the scientific literature devoted to the production issues of the GULAG's economic activities and the work of the special agent. The object of the study was the economics of forced labor as an important component of this state unit, an integral part of the Soviet economic system of the 30-50s of the XX century. The purpose of the work is to trace the dynamics in the study of this issue by Russian researchers, identify the main problem-thematic blocks, identify discussion topics and questions, and present the opinions of leading experts. The article pays special attention to the works of modern authors, their positions and opinions. The author used traditional methods for historical science as the main research methods: historical-genetic, comparative-historical, problematic-chronological, descriptive. Their application made it possible to analyze the studied processes and phenomena in the most complete way. The main contribution of the author to the study of this topic can be considered the systematization of the available material presented in the scientific and historical literature of the late 80-90s of the XX century - 10-20 years of the XXI century, reflecting the role of the GULAG in the development of the Soviet national economy. Based on the results of the work, the author concludes that despite the existence of many research papers examining the problem of forced labor economics in the Soviet Union, there is currently no consensus among researchers in assessing this historical phenomenon, its essence, effectiveness and expediency. Many issues are still debatable and further involvement of additional sources and materials, mainly of a regional nature, will contribute to their solution. The topic has prospects for further study.