AMERICAN JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Scholarly Excellence in Political Research

Introduction

Welcome to the AMERICAN JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE 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 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, 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
ISSN0092-5853
PublisherWILEY
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Converge1982, 1986, from 1996 to 2024
AbbreviationAM J POLIT SCI / Am. J. Polit. Sci.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ

Aims and Scopes

The American Journal of Political Science aims to advance the understanding of political processes, behavior, and institutions through rigorous empirical research and theoretical exploration. It encompasses a wide array of topics within the field of political science, reflecting both contemporary issues and foundational concepts.
  1. Empirical Political Analysis:
    The journal emphasizes rigorous empirical research methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative analyses, to understand political phenomena and behaviors.
  2. Political Institutions and Governance:
    A core focus on the structures and processes of political institutions, including how they operate and their impact on governance and public policy.
  3. Political Behavior and Public Opinion:
    Research on how individuals and groups engage with politics, including voting behavior, political participation, and the influences of public opinion.
  4. Comparative Politics:
    The journal publishes studies that compare political systems, practices, and outcomes across different countries and cultures to derive broader insights into political dynamics.
  5. International Relations and Conflict:
    Exploration of international political dynamics, including conflict, cooperation, and the role of international organizations and treaties.
  6. Social Movements and Political Change:
    Investigating the role of social movements in shaping political landscapes and influencing policy changes.
  7. Political Theory and Philosophy:
    Theoretical contributions that examine the philosophical underpinnings of political concepts and practices, enhancing the understanding of democratic principles and governance.
The journal is witnessing a rise in interest in several emerging themes that reflect contemporary political dynamics and the evolving landscape of political science research.
  1. Digital Politics and Technology:
    Research examining the impact of digital media and technology on political engagement, public discourse, and electoral processes is gaining traction, highlighting the relevance of social media and online platforms.
  2. Populism and Authoritarianism:
    An increasing focus on the dynamics of populism and authoritarian governance, particularly in light of recent global political shifts, is evident in the journal's recent publications.
  3. Intersectionality in Political Behavior:
    Emerging themes that explore how intersecting identities (e.g., race, gender, class) influence political behavior and attitudes are becoming more prominent, reflecting a broader trend towards inclusive analysis.
  4. Climate Change and Environmental Politics:
    The journal is increasingly publishing studies that address the political implications of climate change, environmental policy, and sustainability, demonstrating a growing awareness of these critical issues.
  5. Migration and Refugee Politics:
    Research on the political implications of migration and refugee crises is expanding, reflecting contemporary challenges faced by nations and the global community.
  6. Civic Engagement and Political Participation:
    There is a notable increase in studies exploring innovative methods to enhance political participation and civic engagement, particularly among underrepresented groups.

Declining or Waning

As the journal evolves, certain themes and topics are becoming less prominent in its publications. This decline may reflect shifting research interests or changes in the political landscape.
  1. Traditional Electoral Systems:
    Research focusing on conventional electoral systems is appearing less frequently, possibly due to the increasing interest in alternative voting methods such as ranked-choice voting and proportional representation.
  2. Historical Political Analysis:
    While historical perspectives remain valuable, fewer studies are being published that focus exclusively on historical political events or figures, indicating a shift towards contemporary analyses.
  3. Purely Descriptive Studies:
    There is a noticeable decrease in purely descriptive works that do not engage with theory or empirical testing, as the journal increasingly favors contributions that provide analytical depth and theoretical implications.
  4. Single-Country Case Studies:
    The prevalence of studies focused solely on single-country analyses appears to be waning, with a growing preference for comparative and cross-national research that provides broader insights.
  5. Normative Political Theory:
    Although still relevant, contributions that focus strictly on normative political theory without empirical grounding are becoming less common, as the journal leans towards more empirically-based discussions.

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