International Relations

Scope & Guideline

Catalyzing insights that influence policy and theory.

Introduction

Welcome to the International Relations 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 International Relations, 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
ISSN0047-1178
PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1957 to 1965, from 1967 to 1972, from 1975 to 2024
AbbreviationINT RELAT / Int. Relat.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address1 OLIVERS YARD, 55 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1SP, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'International Relations' focuses on the multifaceted dynamics of global interactions, encompassing a wide range of topics that examine the intersection of politics, culture, security, and identity. Its primary aim is to foster a deeper understanding of international phenomena through diverse methodologies and theoretical frameworks.
  1. Geopolitical Analysis:
    The journal consistently publishes research that explores geopolitical issues, particularly in relation to conflicts, security dynamics, and the impacts of war on societal structures and identities.
  2. Cultural Studies in International Relations:
    A significant focus is placed on how culture, including popular culture and identity narratives, influences international relations, especially in the context of contemporary conflicts.
  3. Climate and Environmental Security:
    The journal increasingly addresses the relationship between climate change, environmental security, and global conflicts, emphasizing the intersection of ecological issues with political stability.
  4. Hybrid Warfare and Security Studies:
    Research on hybrid warfare, including its implications for national security and international relations, is a recurring theme, reflecting the complexities of modern warfare.
  5. Interdisciplinary Methodologies:
    The journal encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from sociology, cultural studies, and political science to enrich the understanding of international issues.
The journal has seen a significant evolution in its thematic focus, with emerging trends reflecting contemporary global challenges and shifts in international relations discourse. The following themes have gained prominence in recent publications.
  1. Impact of the Ukraine Conflict:
    The war in Ukraine has generated a plethora of research exploring its implications for international relations, security, and cultural identity, marking it as a central theme in current scholarship.
  2. Identity Formation and Cultural Narratives:
    There is an increasing focus on how identities are constructed and contested in the context of warfare and geopolitical tensions, particularly through media and cultural expressions.
  3. Climate Change and Security Intersections:
    The integration of climate change into discussions of security is gaining traction, with scholars examining how environmental issues intersect with geopolitical stability and conflict.
  4. Hybrid Warfare and New Security Paradigms:
    Research on hybrid warfare, encompassing both conventional and unconventional tactics, is on the rise, reflecting the complexities of modern conflicts and their implications for international security.
  5. Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy:
    The exploration of soft power, particularly through cultural narratives and artistic expressions during wartime, is emerging as a significant area of interest, highlighting the role of culture in international relations.

Declining or Waning

While certain themes have gained traction in recent years, others appear to be losing prominence within the journal. This decline may reflect broader shifts in the global landscape or changes in academic focus.
  1. Post-Cold War Dynamics:
    Research focusing on post-Cold War geopolitical dynamics has diminished, possibly as scholars shift their attention to more immediate and pressing conflicts, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine.
  2. Traditional Security Studies:
    There seems to be a waning interest in traditional security studies that do not incorporate new dimensions such as hybrid warfare or climate-related issues, making way for more contemporary approaches.
  3. Historical Analysis of Conflicts:
    While historical contexts remain relevant, there has been a noticeable decrease in publications strictly focusing on historical analysis of conflicts, with a preference for studies that connect historical events to current geopolitical issues.
  4. Theoretical Frameworks Detached from Current Events:
    Papers relying solely on theoretical frameworks without contextual ties to current events or contemporary examples are less frequently published, as there is a growing demand for relevance in the analysis.
  5. Global Health Security:
    Although global health security was a significant theme during the pandemic, recent titles indicate a decline in focus on this area, suggesting a shift back to more traditional political issues.

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