AJIL Unbound

Scope & Guideline

Empowering Voices in International Law and Social Science

Introduction

Welcome to the AJIL Unbound 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 AJIL Unbound, 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
ISSN-
PublisherCAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
Country-
Type-
Converge-
AbbreviationAJIL UNBOUND / AJIL Unbound
Frequency1 issue/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressEDINBURGH BLDG, SHAFTESBURY RD, CB2 8RU CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

AJIL Unbound serves as a critical platform for contemporary discussions in international law, focusing on the evolving landscape of legal frameworks and their implications for global governance. The journal emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from various fields to enrich the discourse on international law.
  1. Interdisciplinary Perspectives on International Law:
    The journal encourages contributions that bridge international law with other disciplines such as political science, sociology, and economics, fostering a holistic understanding of legal issues in a global context.
  2. Contemporary Legal Challenges and Innovations:
    AJIL Unbound addresses pressing global challenges, including climate change, human rights, and digital governance, exploring innovative legal responses and frameworks.
  3. Focus on Global Governance and Institutions:
    The journal examines the role of international organizations and institutions in shaping legal norms and practices, critically assessing their effectiveness and impact on global governance.
  4. Critical Examination of Historical and Cultural Contexts:
    AJIL Unbound invites analysis that contextualizes legal developments within historical and cultural frameworks, particularly concerning race, gender, and indigenous rights.
  5. Symposia on Current Legal Debates:
    The journal frequently organizes symposia that gather diverse viewpoints on specific topics, facilitating in-depth discussions and advancing scholarly dialogue.
AJIL Unbound has demonstrated a keen responsiveness to emerging global issues, reflecting a commitment to exploring innovative themes in international law. Recent publications highlight significant trends that are shaping the future of the discipline.
  1. Digital Evidence and Cybersecurity Law:
    With the increasing significance of technology in international relations, there is a rising focus on the legal implications of digital evidence, cybersecurity, and the regulation of digital trade.
  2. Climate Change and Environmental Justice:
    The journal has intensified its engagement with climate change issues, particularly the legal frameworks surrounding environmental justice and the recognition of the right to a healthy environment.
  3. Intersectionality in International Law:
    Emerging themes explore the intersectionality of race, gender, and identity within international law, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and the recognition of diverse legal experiences.
  4. Indigenous Rights and Decolonization:
    There is a growing emphasis on indigenous rights and decolonization, as the journal seeks to amplify voices that challenge traditional legal narratives and advocate for justice and recognition.
  5. Global Health Law Post-Pandemic:
    In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the journal is increasingly focusing on global health law, exploring the legal frameworks needed to address health crises and ensure equitable access to healthcare.

Declining or Waning

While AJIL Unbound has consistently engaged with a broad array of themes, certain areas have become less prominent in recent publications. This shift may reflect evolving priorities within the field of international law and the journal's adaptation to contemporary issues.
  1. Traditional Views on State Sovereignty:
    Discussions centered around classical notions of state sovereignty appear to be declining, as newer perspectives emphasize global interdependence and the need for collaborative governance.
  2. Static Legal Frameworks:
    There is a noticeable reduction in papers advocating for rigid, traditional legal frameworks, with a growing preference for dynamic and adaptable legal approaches that respond to changing global realities.
  3. Focus on Regional Issues in Isolation:
    The journal has gradually shifted away from region-specific analyses that do not engage with broader global contexts, favoring discussions that consider interconnectedness and transnational implications.
  4. Outdated Legal Theories:
    Some older legal theories and methodologies that do not align with contemporary debates on justice, equity, and inclusivity are being phased out, as the journal embraces more progressive and critical legal scholarship.

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