AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE REVIEW

Scope & Guideline

Exploring the Depths of Political Dynamics and Theory

Introduction

Welcome to the AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE REVIEW 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 POLITICAL SCIENCE REVIEW, 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
ISSN0003-0554
PublisherCAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1906 to 2024
AbbreviationAM POLIT SCI REV / Am. Polit. Sci. Rev.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressEDINBURGH BLDG, SHAFTESBURY RD, CB2 8RU CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The American Political Science Review (APSR) is a leading journal that focuses on a broad range of topics within political science, emphasizing empirical research, theoretical frameworks, and innovative methodologies. Its core areas reflect the diverse and dynamic nature of contemporary political analysis, promoting rigorous scholarship that engages with pressing global issues.
  1. Empirical Political Analysis:
    The journal publishes research that employs quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze political phenomena, ensuring that findings are grounded in robust data.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    APSR encourages interdisciplinary work that draws from sociology, economics, history, and other fields, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of political issues.
  3. Focus on Representation and Inclusion:
    A significant number of articles explore themes related to gender, race, and social equity, reflecting a commitment to understanding how these factors influence political behavior and policy outcomes.
  4. Political Theory and Philosophy:
    The journal features theoretical contributions that examine foundational concepts in political science, including justice, democracy, and power, often linking historical perspectives to contemporary debates.
  5. Global Perspectives:
    Research published in APSR often addresses global issues, including migration, authoritarianism, and international relations, thereby situating American political dynamics within a broader context.
The American Political Science Review has demonstrated a vibrant evolution of themes and research priorities, reflecting emerging trends that respond to contemporary challenges and debates in the political landscape. This section highlights key areas of increasing focus that signal new directions for research in the field.
  1. Gender and Political Representation:
    Recent publications increasingly explore the dynamics of gender in politics, including women's representation and the impact of gendered narratives on political behavior, reflecting a broader societal push for equality and inclusiveness.
  2. Impact of Digital Technology and Media:
    Research examining the influence of digital platforms and social media on political engagement, misinformation, and public opinion has surged, highlighting the role of technology in shaping modern political discourse.
  3. Migration and Refugee Studies:
    There is a growing body of work addressing the political implications of migration and refugee crises, particularly in relation to global governance, national identity, and social integration, emphasizing the urgency of these issues.
  4. Populism and Authoritarianism:
    The rise of populist movements and authoritarian regimes worldwide has prompted an increase in research investigating their causes, consequences, and the responses of democratic institutions, reflecting a critical area of inquiry in current political science.
  5. Climate Politics and Environmental Policy:
    Emerging research focuses on the intersection of climate change with political processes, exploring how environmental concerns are integrated into policy-making and the political mobilization around climate issues.

Declining or Waning

While the American Political Science Review continues to evolve, certain themes appear to be diminishing in prominence. This section outlines specific areas that have seen a notable decline in focus over recent years, suggesting shifts in research priorities within the field.
  1. Traditional Electoral Studies:
    Research focusing solely on traditional electoral behavior, such as voting patterns without considering broader socio-political contexts, has decreased. This shift reflects a growing interest in understanding the complexities of political behavior through more nuanced lenses.
  2. Single-Nation Studies:
    There is a waning emphasis on studies that focus exclusively on the United States, as scholars increasingly recognize the importance of comparative politics and global perspectives in understanding domestic political phenomena.
  3. Conventional Policy Analysis:
    Traditional policy analysis that does not incorporate interdisciplinary approaches or innovative methodologies is becoming less frequent, signaling a move towards more integrative and multifaceted analyses of political issues.
  4. Descriptive Research Without Theoretical Frameworks:
    The journal has seen a decline in purely descriptive studies that lack a strong theoretical underpinning, as the focus shifts towards research that contributes to theory development and empirical testing.
  5. Historical Political Analysis:
    While historical contexts remain important, there is a noticeable reduction in articles solely dedicated to historical political analysis without connecting to contemporary implications or frameworks.

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