African Security

Scope & Guideline

Illuminating complex security dynamics across the continent.

Introduction

Welcome to the African Security information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of African Security, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
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.

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