International Theory

Scope & Guideline

Challenging Conventional Wisdom in International Theory

Introduction

Welcome to the International 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 International 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
ISSN1752-9719
PublisherCAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2009 to 2024
AbbreviationINT THEOR / Int. Theory
Frequency3 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 journal 'International Theory' aims to advance the understanding of international relations through rigorous theoretical exploration and critical analysis. Its scope encompasses a diverse range of topics that reflect the complexities of global politics and the evolution of international thought.
  1. International Relations Theory:
    The journal provides a platform for discussing various theoretical perspectives in international relations, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, and postcolonial theories.
  2. Sovereignty and Statehood:
    A core focus of the journal is the concept of sovereignty, exploring its implications in contemporary international relations and examining how statehood is understood and practiced across different contexts.
  3. Global Governance and Institutions:
    The journal investigates the roles of international organizations and institutions in global governance, analyzing their effectiveness, legitimacy, and the dynamics of power within them.
  4. Historical Perspectives:
    Historical analyses of international relations are a significant aspect of the journal, emphasizing how past events shape current international theories and practices.
  5. Normative Issues in Global Politics:
    The journal addresses normative questions related to justice, human rights, and ethical considerations in international relations, contributing to debates on political responsibility and moral obligations.
  6. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    'International Theory' encourages interdisciplinary research, drawing from sociology, philosophy, and legal studies to enrich the understanding of international phenomena.
Recent publications in 'International Theory' indicate a shift towards emerging themes that reflect contemporary challenges and innovative approaches to international relations. These trends highlight the journal's responsiveness to the evolving global landscape.
  1. Climate Change and Global Mobilities:
    Recent studies explore the intersection of climate change and international relations, focusing on how environmental issues influence state behavior and global governance.
  2. Post-Truth Politics:
    The rise of post-truth politics and its implications for international relations is gaining attention, examining how misinformation and ideological shifts affect global political dynamics.
  3. Decolonization and Global History:
    There is an increasing focus on decolonial perspectives and historical analyses that challenge Eurocentric narratives, contributing to a more inclusive understanding of global politics.
  4. Non-State Actors and Global Governance:
    Research is increasingly addressing the role of non-state actors, including NGOs, corporations, and social movements, in shaping global governance and international relations.
  5. Emotional and Psychological Dimensions:
    New studies are emerging that investigate the emotional and psychological aspects of international relations, such as the impact of trauma, identity, and ontological security on state behavior.

Declining or Waning

In the evolving landscape of international relations scholarship, certain themes within 'International Theory' appear to be declining in prominence. These waning topics reflect shifts in academic focus and emerging priorities within the field.
  1. Traditional Power Politics:
    While power dynamics remain a crucial aspect of international relations, discussions centered on traditional power politics have seen a decline as the field increasingly embraces complex interdependence and non-state actors.
  2. State-Centric Analyses:
    There is a noticeable reduction in state-centric analyses as scholars shift towards examining transnational issues, global networks, and the role of non-state actors in shaping international relations.
  3. Realist Paradigms:
    The prevalence of realist paradigms, which focus primarily on military and economic power, has diminished as alternative theoretical frameworks that emphasize social, cultural, and ideological factors gain traction.
  4. Bilateral Relations Focus:
    Research centered on bilateral relations appears to be waning, with a growing emphasis on multilateralism and global governance structures that reflect interconnectedness in international affairs.

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