Migration as a challenge in cultural memory of the Russians

The paper focuses on the effect of cultural memory on the perception of migration and migrants in modern Russia. Based on the ideas of A. Assmann, J. Olika and survey data, the authors examine the prospects for integration of migrants into the receiving society. It also proves the impossibility of direct transfer of the “multiculturalism” strategy in modern conditions in Russia. The main problem from the authors' viewpoint is connected with the updating the Imperial discourse and conservative ideology. The most promising strategy is the use of the experience of the multi-ethnic regions of Russia and public initiatives' development aimed at the integration of migrants.