ALTERNATIVES

Scope & Guideline

Catalyzing Scholarly Discourse in Political Science and Sociology

Introduction

Welcome to the ALTERNATIVES 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 ALTERNATIVES, 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
ISSN0304-3754
PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1975 to 2024
AbbreviationALTERNATIVES / Alternatives
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2455 TELLER RD, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91320

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'ALTERNATIVES' serves as a platform for critical discourse on contemporary issues in international relations, politics, and social theory. It emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach that brings together diverse perspectives and methodologies to explore the complexities of power, identity, and governance in a globalized world.
  1. Interdisciplinary Analysis of Global Issues:
    The journal focuses on the intersections of international relations with various fields such as sociology, cultural studies, and political theory, encouraging a broad exploration of global challenges.
  2. Critical Examination of Power Structures:
    'ALTERNATIVES' aims to interrogate existing power dynamics, particularly in relation to militarization, governance, and sovereignty, offering insights into how these structures affect societies.
  3. Exploration of Identity and Representation:
    The journal investigates themes of identity, including race, gender, and nationalism, analyzing how these factors influence political discourse and international relations.
  4. Focus on Humor and Cultural Critique:
    A unique aspect of the journal is its exploration of humor as a tool for social critique and political commentary, reflecting on how humor can challenge norms and reshape narratives.
  5. Engagement with Emerging Global Trends:
    The journal addresses contemporary issues such as digital governance, climate change, and social movements, ensuring relevance in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Recent publications in 'ALTERNATIVES' reveal several emerging themes that reflect the journal's responsiveness to contemporary societal shifts and academic discourse. These trends signify a growing interest in certain topics that align with current global challenges.
  1. Digital Politics and Cyber Governance:
    The increasing focus on digital transformations in governance and the implications of internet shutdowns, surveillance, and cyber laws highlights the relevance of technology in contemporary political discourse.
  2. Humor as a Political Tool:
    The exploration of humor in political contexts, particularly its role in addressing crises and normalizing contentious issues, showcases a unique and growing interest in cultural strategies within political discourse.
  3. Critical Geographies and Urban Studies:
    There is a rising trend in examining the relationships between urban development, militarism, and social justice, reflecting a broader interest in how geography shapes political and social dynamics.
  4. Intersectionality in Political Discourse:
    The journal's increasing engagement with intersectional analyses of identity—considering race, gender, and class—indicates a shift towards more inclusive frameworks that account for diverse experiences.
  5. Global South Perspectives in IR:
    Emerging themes emphasize the importance of voices and perspectives from the Global South, challenging Eurocentric narratives and promoting a more pluralistic understanding of international relations.

Declining or Waning

While 'ALTERNATIVES' continues to engage with a wide range of topics, certain themes appear to be waning in prominence. This decline may reflect shifts in global priorities or evolving scholarly interests.
  1. Traditional Militarism Studies:
    Although militarism remains a key topic, the focus on traditional military studies is decreasing as newer frameworks and critiques emerge, particularly those that emphasize hybrid and non-state forms of violence.
  2. Static Notions of Sovereignty:
    Discussions around sovereignty are evolving; traditional views are being challenged by more fluid concepts of governance and authority, leading to less frequency of papers that solely address sovereignty in a conventional sense.
  3. Historical Narratives of International Relations:
    There has been a noticeable decline in papers that focus exclusively on historical perspectives of international relations, as the journal shifts towards more contemporary and future-oriented analyses.
  4. Conventional Gender Studies:
    While gender remains an essential topic, there is a shift away from conventional gender studies towards more intersectional and nuanced analyses that incorporate multiple identities and experiences.
  5. Overly Abstract Theoretical Frameworks:
    Papers employing highly abstract theories without practical application or connection to current events are becoming less frequent as the journal emphasizes empirical relevance and concrete case studies.

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