African Security

Scope & Guideline

Pioneering research in African security studies.

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of African Security with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1939-2206
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2008 to 2024
AbbreviationAFR SECUR / Afr. Secur.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'African Security' is dedicated to addressing the multifaceted security challenges faced by African nations. It aims to provide a platform for scholarly work that critically examines the dynamics of security, conflict, and governance across the continent, employing a range of methodologies and theoretical frameworks.
  1. Security Studies in Africa:
    The journal focuses on the unique security challenges that African nations face, including conflicts, terrorism, and military interventions, aiming to contribute to the discourse on how these issues impact regional and national stability.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    Research published in 'African Security' often employs interdisciplinary methodologies, integrating insights from political science, sociology, history, and economics to provide a holistic understanding of security issues.
  3. Historical and Sociological Analysis:
    The journal emphasizes the importance of historical context and sociological factors in understanding contemporary security challenges, promoting studies that explore the legacies of colonialism, governance, and social dynamics.
  4. Regional Security Governance:
    A significant focus is placed on regional organizations, such as the African Union and ECOWAS, examining their roles in conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and the promotion of security policies across member states.
  5. Human Security Frameworks:
    The journal advocates for the use of human security frameworks, examining how issues like poverty, human rights, and social justice intersect with traditional notions of national security.
Recent publications in 'African Security' highlight emerging themes that reflect the evolving nature of security challenges in Africa. These trends indicate new areas of focus that are gaining traction among researchers and policymakers alike.
  1. Maritime Security:
    With increasing concerns about piracy and illegal fishing, there is a growing emphasis on maritime security issues, particularly in regions like the Gulf of Guinea, highlighting the importance of safeguarding maritime trade routes.
  2. Violent Extremism:
    The journal is increasingly addressing the rise of violent extremism and its implications for national and regional security, with a focus on understanding the root causes and recruitment mechanisms of groups like Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab.
  3. Impact of COVID-19 on Security:
    Emerging research on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on security dynamics, governance, and conflict has gained prominence, reflecting an urgent need to analyze how global health crises intersect with security challenges.
  4. Urban Violence and Political Instability:
    There is a rising interest in urban violence and its relationship with political instability, as cities become key battlegrounds for both conflict and security interventions.
  5. Gender and Security:
    An increasing number of studies are exploring the intersection of gender and security, emphasizing the role of women in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts.

Declining or Waning

As the journal evolves, certain themes and areas of research appear to be losing prominence. This decline may reflect shifting priorities within the field of African security studies or changes in the geopolitical landscape.
  1. Traditional Military Conflicts:
    There is a noticeable decline in research focusing solely on traditional state-to-state military conflicts, as the journal increasingly emphasizes non-state actors and broader security dynamics.
  2. Colonial Legacy Studies:
    While historical analyses remain important, the specific focus on colonial legacies in current security challenges appears to be diminishing, possibly due to a shift towards more contemporary issues.
  3. Static Security Models:
    Research that utilizes static or outdated security models is becoming less frequent, as scholars seek more dynamic and responsive frameworks that address the complexities of modern security environments.

Similar Journals

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Elevating empirical and theoretical studies in IR.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 1354-0661Frequency: 4 issues/year

The EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (ISSN: 1354-0661, E-ISSN: 1460-3713), published by SAGE Publications Ltd, stands as a prestigious conduit for innovative scholarship in the fields of Political Science and International Relations. Launched in 1995, this esteemed journal has carved a significant niche within the academic community, achieving a remarkable Q1 ranking for both Political Science and Sociology in 2023, along with an impressive Scopus rank, placing it within the top 5% of its category. This journal is committed to advancing rigorous analysis and fostering critical discourse on global interrelations, offering researchers, professionals, and students a platform for high-quality empirical and theoretical studies. Although it does not provide open access, the journal’s curated selection of articles, reviews, and original research continues to make it a vital resource for understanding the complexities of international relations in a contemporary context. As it converges through the years up to 2024, EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS remains an essential reference for those striving to contribute to or engage with critical knowledge in the evolving landscape of global politics.

GLOBAL GOVERNANCE

Illuminating the Path to International Cooperation
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 1075-2846Frequency: 4 issues/year

GLOBAL GOVERNANCE is a premier journal in the fields of Environmental Science, Political Science, International Relations, and Sociology, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on the complexities of global governance through its insightful research articles and critical analyses. Published by BRILL, this journal has been a vital source of knowledge since its inception in 1996 and continues to engage scholarly communication until 2024. With a commendable impact factor, it has secured a prestigious standing, categorized as Q2 in Political Science and International Relations as well as in Safety Research, and Q3 in Environmental Science (miscellaneous), positioning itself as an essential read for researchers and professionals keen on exploring the intersection of global policies and environmental challenges. While it does not offer open access, the journal’s rich repository of high-quality content remains invaluable for students and academics alike, driving forward the discourse in global governance and international cooperation.

MIDDLE EAST JOURNAL

Illuminating the Rich Tapestry of Middle Eastern Studies
Publisher: MIDDLE EAST INSTISSN: 0026-3141Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Middle East Journal, published by the esteemed Middle East Institute, serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse on the complexities of the Middle East, encompassing rich analyses in the fields of Sociology, Political Science, and Geography. With a legacy dating back to 1976, this journal continues to shape contemporary dialogues, offering rigorous research and insights that influence policy-making and academic studies alike. Academic readers will note its Scopus rankings, positioning it within the lower quartiles of Geography, Planning and Development and Sociology and Political Science, reflecting an opportunity for growth and increased visibility within these fields. Although the journal is not open access, it remains an essential resource for those aiming to enhance their understanding of the historical and current dynamics of the Middle East. The Middle East Journal stands as a testament to the region's complex socio-political landscape and offers a comprehensive lens for both established scholars and aspiring researchers.

SECURITY DIALOGUE

Fostering Insightful Dialogues on Security Dynamics
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0967-0106Frequency: 6 issues/year

SECURITY DIALOGUE is a premier academic journal published by SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD, renowned for its rigorous approach to the critical fields of Political Science and International Relations as well as Sociology. Since its inception in 1970, the journal has established itself as a leading platform for scholarly discussion, achieving a prestigious Q1 ranking in both categories as of 2023, with impressive Scopus rankings placing it in the 94th percentile for Political Science and International Relations and the 91st percentile for Sociology. Although currently not an Open Access journal, SECURITY DIALOGUE fosters a wealth of innovative research and insights, making it essential for researchers, practitioners, and students committed to understanding the multifaceted dynamics of security and societal challenges in a rapidly changing global landscape. The journal's commitment to quality and impact is evident in its extensive citation metrics and enduring relevance, making it a cornerstone in the study of security dialogues in contemporary societies.

RUSI Journal

Fostering critical analyses of geopolitical dynamics.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0307-1847Frequency: 7 issues/year

RUSI Journal, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a prestigious platform dedicated to advancing scholarship in the fields of Political Science and International Relations. With an ISSN of 0307-1847 and an E-ISSN of 1744-0378, this journal significantly contributes to the academic discourse, featuring original research, critical analyses, and essays that address contemporary security issues, strategic studies, and defense policy. Based in the United Kingdom, and operating since 1972, the journal has established a formidable reputation — achieving a Q3 ranking within its category in 2023, and positioning itself at the 57th percentile amongst over 700 peers in Scopus. Although it does not offer open access, the journal remains a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of geopolitical dynamics and security challenges globally. With a commitment to rigorous scholarship and impactful insights, RUSI Journal continues to shape debates and influence policy within the international arena.

Revista de Estudios en Seguridad Internacional-RESI

Bridging Theory and Practice in Security Research
Publisher: UNIV GRANADA, FAC POLITICAL SCIENCE & SOCIOLOGYISSN: Frequency: 2 issues/year

Revista de Estudios en Seguridad Internacional (RESI) is a distinguished academic journal dedicated to the exploration and analysis of international security issues. Published by the University of Granada's Faculty of Political Science and Sociology, this journal has been on the forefront of critical security studies since its Open Access inception in 2015, providing a platform for researchers, practitioners, and students to share innovative ideas and scholarly work. With a focus on contemporary themes in international security, RESI encourages interdisciplinary dialogue and engagement, fostering a deeper understanding of global challenges. As a vital resource for those involved in political science and security studies, the journal aims to disseminate rigorous research that contributes to both academic scholarship and practical applications in policy-making. Researchers and professionals alike will find RESI an invaluable space for advancing their inquiries and sharing their findings with a global audience.

Journal of Asian Security and International Affairs

Connecting Scholars to the Heart of Asian Security Issues.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 2347-7970Frequency: 3 issues/year

Journal of Asian Security and International Affairs, published by SAGE Publications Inc., stands at the forefront of research in the realms of political science and international relations, particularly focusing on the dynamic security landscapes across Asia. With an ISSN of 2347-7970 and an E-ISSN of 2349-0039, this peer-reviewed journal has maintained a commendable position within the academic community, evidenced by its ranking in the Q1 category for Political Science and International Relations as of 2023. It currently holds a respectable Scopus rank of 295 out of 706, situating it in the 58th percentile, which underscores its contributions to the field. While the journal operates as a subscription model, it remains committed to disseminating high-quality research that enhances understanding of security issues in the Asian context, offering a valuable platform for researchers, professionals, and students alike. With coverage spanning from 2014 to 2024, the journal invites innovative scholarship that addresses emerging trends, challenges, and theories relevant to Asian security and international affairs.

Obrana a Strategie-Defence & Strategy

Fostering Insightful Discussions on Defense and Strategy.
Publisher: UNIV DEFENCE, CENTER SECURITY & MILITARY STRATEGIC STUDIESISSN: 1214-6463Frequency: 2 issues/year

Obrana a Strategie-Defence & Strategy is a prominent academic journal dedicated to the critical fields of Political Science and International Relations, as well as Safety Research. Published by the esteemed UNIV DEFENCE, CENTER SECURITY & MILITARY STRATEGIC STUDIES in the Czech Republic, this open access journal has been offering unrestricted visibility to its research outputs since 2001, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing among scholars and practitioners. While currently positioned in the Q4 quartile in its categories and maintaining a Scopus rank that places it in the lower percentiles, the journal serves as a vital platform for emerging discussions on military strategy, defense mechanisms, and global security issues. With an aim to bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical applications, Obrana a Strategie-Defence & Strategy contributes to shaping insights that are essential for informed decision-making in contemporary defense and strategic studies. Whether you are a researcher looking to publish your findings or a student seeking to engage with current academic debates, this journal represents an invaluable resource in the ongoing exploration of security dynamics.

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND PEACE SCIENCE

Navigating the pathways to conflict resolution.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 0738-8942Frequency: 5 issues/year

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND PEACE SCIENCE is a highly regarded peer-reviewed journal published by SAGE Publications Inc, dedicated to advancing the academic discourse in the fields of conflict resolution, peace studies, economics, and political science. Since its establishment in 1973, the journal has provided a platform for innovative research and critical analysis of the social, economic, and political dimensions of conflict and peace, making it essential reading for researchers, professionals, and students alike. With an impressive impact factor reflecting its rigorous standards of scholarship, it is currently ranked Q2 in Economics and Econometrics and Q1 in Political Science and International Relations as of 2023, placing it among the top journals in its field. Additionally, it boasts an 85th percentile ranking for Political Science in Scopus, underscoring its influence and relevance in the academic community. The journal encourages submissions that contribute to theoretical developments and empirical studies, aiming to shed light on the complexities of conflict management and the pursuit of peace. For those interested in impactful research, CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND PEACE SCIENCE provides an invaluable resource that fosters understanding and innovation in addressing global conflicts.

Pacific Focus

Connecting Scholars to the Heart of Pacific Politics
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 1225-4657Frequency: 3 issues/year

Pacific Focus is a renowned academic journal published by WILEY, focusing on the dynamic fields of Political Science and International Relations. Established in 1986, it has developed a reputation for disseminating innovative research and critical analysis pertinent to the geopolitical landscape of the Pacific region and beyond. With an impressive rank of #370/706 in Political Science and International Relations, notably achieving a Q2 category rating in 2023, it serves as a vital resource for scholars and practitioners alike. The journal also holds a respectable Q3 status in Sociology and Political Science, reflecting its broad interdisciplinary appeal. While currently not offering Open Access, Pacific Focus maintains a commitment to high-quality scholarship through rigorous peer-review processes. Researchers, professionals, and students will find it an essential platform for exploring contemporary issues, fostering academic dialogue, and contributing to the field's evolution.