Constellations-An International Journal of Critical and Democratic Theory

Scope & Guideline

Engaging Scholars in the Quest for Democratic Ideals

Introduction

Welcome to the Constellations-An International Journal of Critical and Democratic Theory 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 Constellations-An International Journal of Critical and Democratic Theory, 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
ISSN1351-0487
PublisherWILEY
Support Open AccessNo
Country-
Type-
Converge-
AbbreviationCONSTELLATIONS / Constellations
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ

Aims and Scopes

Constellations seeks to explore the intersection of critical theory, political philosophy, and democratic practices, focusing on the nuances of social justice, power dynamics, and the role of ideology in contemporary political discourse.
  1. Critical Democratic Theory:
    The journal emphasizes the analysis and development of democratic theory, exploring various models and practices of democracy, including participatory, radical, and deliberative approaches.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    It encourages interdisciplinary perspectives, integrating insights from sociology, philosophy, political science, and cultural studies to enrich discussions on democracy and critical theory.
  3. Focus on Ideology and Power:
    The journal critically examines the role of ideology in shaping social and political realities, addressing themes such as populism, authoritarianism, and neoliberalism.
  4. Global Justice and Ethics:
    There is a consistent focus on global justice issues, exploring ethical dimensions of political theory in relation to migration, identity, and systemic inequalities.
  5. Historical Contextualization:
    Many articles contextualize contemporary issues within historical frameworks, drawing on the legacies of critical theorists and movements to inform present-day discussions.
  6. Community and Identity Politics:
    The journal explores issues of community, identity, and belonging, analyzing how these factors influence democratic engagement and political representation.
Recent publications in Constellations have highlighted several emerging themes that reflect current social, political, and theoretical challenges.
  1. Decolonial Perspectives:
    There is a growing emphasis on decolonial theories and practices, exploring how colonial histories impact contemporary political structures and identities.
  2. Technological Impact on Democracy:
    The intersection of technology and democracy is increasingly examined, particularly how digital platforms reshape public discourse, participatory practices, and accountability.
  3. Environmental Justice:
    Emerging discussions focus on the relationship between democracy and ecological crises, highlighting how environmental concerns intersect with social justice and political action.
  4. Critical Race Theory:
    There is a noticeable increase in the engagement with critical race theory, addressing systemic racism and its implications for democratic practices and social justice.
  5. Populism and Authoritarianism:
    The rise of populist movements and authoritarian governance continues to be a significant theme, with analyses of their impacts on democratic institutions and civil society.
  6. Mental Health and Politics:
    Emerging themes also include the psychological dimensions of political engagement, exploring how mental health intersects with activism, democracy, and social movements.

Declining or Waning

Over recent years, certain themes within Constellations have shown signs of decline, reflecting shifts in scholarly focus or changing political landscapes.
  1. Traditional Liberalism:
    Discussions centered on classical liberalism and its foundational principles have become less prominent, as contemporary debates increasingly focus on critiques of liberalism and the rise of alternative political frameworks.
  2. Historical Case Studies:
    While historical contextualization remains important, the specific focus on singular historical case studies has waned, possibly in favor of broader theoretical explorations and contemporary relevance.
  3. Static Political Models:
    The reliance on static models of political theory and democracy has decreased, as the journal increasingly emphasizes fluid and dynamic understandings of political engagement and representation.
  4. Universalist Perspectives:
    There appears to be a decline in universalist approaches to democracy, as more recent publications prioritize localized and contextual analyses of political phenomena.
  5. Theoretical Purism:
    There seems to be a waning interest in purist theoretical stances, with scholars opting for more eclectic and integrative approaches that draw from multiple schools of thought.

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