BRITISH JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

Scope & Guideline

Shaping the future of political science with innovative research.

Introduction

Welcome to the BRITISH 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 BRITISH 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
ISSN0007-1234
PublisherCAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1971 to 2024
AbbreviationBRIT J POLIT SCI / Br. J. Polit. Sci.
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 British Journal of Political Science aims to advance the understanding of political phenomena through rigorous scholarly research and analysis. It covers a wide range of political science topics, employing diverse methodologies and theoretical frameworks.
  1. Political Behavior and Public Opinion:
    The journal frequently publishes research examining how individuals and groups form political opinions, make electoral choices, and engage in political behavior, providing insights into the dynamics of public sentiment and voting patterns.
  2. Comparative Politics:
    A significant portion of the journal's articles focus on comparative analyses of political systems, institutions, and processes across different countries, highlighting variations and similarities in governance and political behavior.
  3. Political Theory and Ideology:
    The journal addresses theoretical frameworks and ideological perspectives that shape political discourse, exploring concepts such as democracy, nationalism, populism, and social justice.
  4. Public Policy and Administration:
    Research on the formulation, implementation, and effects of public policies is a key focus, with studies analyzing policy responses to various social, economic, and environmental issues.
  5. International Relations and Global Politics:
    The journal includes articles that investigate international political dynamics, including the impact of globalization, security studies, and the role of international organizations in shaping global governance.
  6. Political Institutions and Governance:
    Scholarly contributions analyzing the structures and functions of political institutions, such as legislatures and electoral systems, and their influence on governance and political accountability are prevalent.
The British Journal of Political Science has shown a dynamic evolution in its focus areas, with several themes emerging as particularly relevant in recent publications. This section outlines these trending topics that reflect current political realities and scholarly interests.
  1. Populism and Political Polarization:
    An increasing number of studies are exploring the rise of populism and its relationship with political polarization, particularly in the context of contemporary electoral politics and public sentiment.
  2. Impact of Economic Shocks on Political Behavior:
    Research examining how economic shocks, such as those resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, affect public attitudes and political behavior is gaining traction, highlighting the intersections between economics and politics.
  3. Migration and Immigration Policies:
    The journal has seen a surge in articles addressing the complexities of migration, immigration policy, and public attitudes toward these issues, reflecting the ongoing global debates surrounding migration.
  4. Climate Change and Environmental Politics:
    There is a growing emphasis on the political dimensions of climate change and environmental policy, with studies evaluating public opinion, policy responses, and international cooperation.
  5. Social Movements and Political Activism:
    Research on social movements, civic engagement, and the role of activism in shaping political outcomes is increasingly prominent, particularly in the context of recent protests and movements across the globe.
  6. Digital Politics and Social Media Influence:
    The influence of digital technology and social media on political communication, public opinion, and electoral outcomes is a rapidly growing area of research, reflecting the changing landscape of political engagement.

Declining or Waning

While the British Journal of Political Science has consistently covered a broad spectrum of political topics, certain themes have shown a decline in prominence over recent years. This section highlights these waning areas of focus.
  1. Electoral Systems and Electoral Behavior:
    Previously a dominant theme, research specifically centered on the mechanics of electoral systems and their direct impact on voter behavior has seen a reduction, possibly overshadowed by broader analyses of political behavior and public opinion.
  2. Historical Political Analysis:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in studies focusing solely on historical political contexts or events. The journal now leans more towards contemporary analyses, which may reflect a broader trend in political science towards immediate relevance.
  3. Local Government and Subnational Politics:
    Research specifically focusing on local governance and subnational political dynamics appears to be less frequent, as the journal's attention shifts towards national and global political phenomena.
  4. Gender and Politics as a Standalone Theme:
    While gender issues remain important, the focus on gender and politics as a standalone theme has lessened, with gender dynamics increasingly integrated into broader discussions rather than treated as separate topics.

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