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How can we systematically conceptualize equidistant diplomacy? This article argues that while 'equidistant diplomacy' has its own tactical utility to signal and shape a state's image of political neutrality to the target states, it is not indicative of the state strategy. This is because state strategy is generally determined by material capabilities and is categorized as balancing, bandwagoning, and hedging. Rather, equidistant diplomacy is perception managementmerely an independent diplomatic tactic aimed at signaling a neutral image through three main tools: paralleling, downplaying, and broadcasting. This diplomatic tactic is most likely to be part of 'hedging' behavior. However, states can similarly employ equidistant diplomacy for balancing or bandwagoning if they desire to project a neutral image and their target states do not force them to alter this tactic with diplomatic or material sanctions. With this conceptual framework, Singapore's diplomatic behavior vis-a-vis the United States and China from the 1990s will be examined.

This paper uses a large panel of bilateral bank flow data to assess how institutions and politics affect international capital -bank in particular- flows. The following key findings emerge: 1) The empirical "gravity" model is the benchmark in explaining the volume of international banking activities. 2) Conditioned on standard gravity factors (distance, GDP, population), well-functioning institutions are a key driving force for international bank flows. Specifically, foreign banks invest substantially more in countries with i) uncorrupt bureaucracies, ii) high-quality legal system, and iii) a non-government controlled banking system. 3) Beyond institutions, politics exert also a firstorder impact. 4) The European Integration process has spurred cross-border banking activities between member states. These results are robust to various econometric methodologies, samples and the potential endogeneity of institutional characteristics. The strong institutions/politics-bank flows nexus has strong implications for asset trade and international macro theories, which have not modelled these relationships explicitly.

International migration is a large-scale social problem, its complexity and relevance has been increasing in recent years, which necessitates research on the main trends and social processes related to migration flows. The purpose of this article is an analytical review of modern foreign studies on international migration, which are mostly unknown to the Russian reader. The authors consider the methodological problems of in-ternational migration studies and the main directions ofmigration research by foreign specialists. The results of the analysis demonstrate that migration processes are being significantly transformed under the influence of global and regional challenges. In terms of methodology of migration studies, the neo-institutional ap-proach is gaining more and more influence as one of the most promising theoretical and methodological ap-proaches that can influence the construction of a holistic concept of international migration. Such categories as «institutions», «practices», and «structures»make it possible to cover a wide range of variables that are significant for external migration. Among the key areas of migration research, one should note changes in the scale and structure of migration, including gender aspects; theemergence of new barriers in the field of migration, including in connection with the global COVID-19 pandemic; institutional changes in the migra-tion management system. In addition, foreign studies focus on issues such as the problem of security and democracy in the context of international migration, regulation of migration processes, modern migration policy and regimes. In conclusion, it is noted that the issue of migration processes is in constant dynamics, which determines and permanently updates the agenda for research in the field of international migration.

This volume articulates a systematic vision of an international legal system grounded in the commitment to justice for all persons. It provides a probing exploration of the moral issues involved in disputes about secession, ethno-national conflict and other issues