Foreign studies of international migration: methodological problems, thematic trends

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 international migration studies and the main directions of migration 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 approach is gaining more and more influence as one of the most promising theoretical and methodological approaches 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; the emergence of new barriers in the field of migration, including in connection with the global COVID-19 pandemic; institutional changes in the migration 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.