International Theory

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Critical Analysis in Global Scholarship

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.

Similar Journals

REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

Navigating the complexities of global politics.
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0260-2105Frequency: 5 issues/year

REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES, published by Cambridge University Press, is a leading journal in the fields of Political Science and International Relations, with a robust focus on sociopolitical dynamics from a global perspective. Established in 1976, it has garnered a distinguished reputation, achieving a Q1 ranking in both Political Science and Sociology for 2023, underscoring its impact and relevance within the scholarly community. With an impressive Scopus ranking placing it in the 93rd percentile among peer journals in its field, this journal serves as an essential platform for researchers, professionals, and students engaged in critical analysis and discourse on international affairs. Although it does not currently offer Open Access options, the journal is committed to advancing knowledge through rigorous peer-reviewed research, contributing significantly to the academic dialogue surrounding global political issues.

Journal of International Political Theory

Elevating Academic Dialogue in International Politics
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 1755-0882Frequency: 3 issues/year

The Journal of International Political Theory, published by SAGE Publications Ltd, is an esteemed academic journal dedicated to advancing the field of political theory on a global scale. With an ISSN of 1755-0882 and an E-ISSN of 1755-1722, this journal serves as a crucial platform for rigorous scholarship that intersects various domains including sociology and political science. Recognized as a leading publication in both the Q1 category for Social Sciences (miscellaneous) and Sociology and Political Science, it ranks in the top tiers of Scopus’ rankings, evidencing its influence and rigor within the academic community. From its base in the United Kingdom, the journal promotes a diverse range of theoretical perspectives and methodologies, fostering a vibrant dialogue among researchers and practitioners. While it does not operate under an open access model, the journal remains accessible to a broad audience of scholars eager to engage with cutting-edge debates in international political theory. The Journal of International Political Theory is committed to shaping contemporary understanding of political challenges, making it an essential read for researchers, professionals, and students alike.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Connecting Scholars to the Pulse of Global Politics
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESSISSN: 0020-5850Frequency: 6 issues/year

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, published by OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, stands as a premier journal in the fields of political science and international relations, boasting an impressive Impact Factor and a reputation for rigorous scholarship. Established in the United Kingdom, the journal's ISSN is 0020-5850 and its E-ISSN is 1468-2346. From its inception to the present, it has played a crucial role in analyzing and interpreting global issues that shape our world, with a notable mention of its Q1 quartile ranking in both Political Science and Sociology according to 2023 metrics. Researchers and practitioners alike benefit from its high-quality, peer-reviewed articles, which consistently rank it in the top percentile of its category, underscoring its significance in contemporary discourse. As the journal continues to evolve, it remains a vital resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of international affairs and sociopolitical dynamics.

Chinese Journal of International Politics

Exploring the Dynamics of Global Politics
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESSISSN: 1750-8916Frequency: 4 issues/year

Chinese Journal of International Politics, published by Oxford University Press, stands as a pivotal academic platform dedicated to the fields of Political Science and International Relations. With an ISSN of 1750-8916 and an E-ISSN of 1750-8924, this journal has been addressing critical global issues since its inception in 2006, maintaining a commendable trajectory through to 2024. The journal proudly ranks in the Q1 category within its field, evidenced by its Scopus ranking of #107 out of 706, placing it in the 84th percentile, highlighting its influential research contributions. Notably, this publication provides a comprehensive array of articles encompassing theoretical insights, empirical studies, and critical analyses that foster a deeper understanding of international dynamics, particularly in the context of China's expanding role on the global stage. While it does not offer Open Access, its content remains accessible through institutional subscriptions, ensuring that researchers, professionals, and students can engage with top-tier scholarship in international politics.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

Pioneering New Perspectives in Political Analysis
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0092-5853Frequency: 4 issues/year

American Journal of Political Science, published by Wiley, stands as a premier academic outlet in the field of political science and sociology, encapsulating the dynamic interplay of theory and empirical research. With an impressive impact factor and ranked in the top quartile (Q1) of both Political Science and International Relations as well as Sociology and Political Science categories, this journal not only provides a platform for groundbreaking research but also influences the scholarly discourse across these disciplines. The journal boasts a rigorous peer-review process, ensuring the publication of high-quality and impactful articles that contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge in the social sciences. Although primarily subscription-based, researchers and academics are encouraged to engage with the journal, which has consistently evolved to accommodate the changing landscapes of global politics and society. With a publication history that spans multiple decades, the American Journal of Political Science remains essential for scholars, practitioners, and students committed to understanding the complexities of political mechanisms and social dynamics.

Ethics & Global Politics

Exploring the Ethical Dimensions of Global Governance
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1654-4951Frequency: 1 issue/year

Ethics & Global Politics is a pioneering journal published by Taylor & Francis Ltd that focuses on the intersection of ethical considerations and global political dynamics. Since its inception in 2008, this open-access journal has been instrumental in fostering scholarly discourse surrounding key issues in Political Science, International Relations, and Sociology. With its commitment to providing unrestricted access to research, it aims to reach a diverse audience, including researchers, policymakers, and students alike. The journal is ranked in the Q3 quartile for both Political Science and Sociology categories, showcasing its relevance and impact in these fields, with a Scopus rank that places it in the 49th percentile in Political Science and 47th percentile in Sociology. Covering significant themes from 2009 to 2024, the journal plays a crucial role in advancing conversations on ethical frameworks that underpin global governance and international relations, making it an essential resource for those invested in the ethical implications of global political actions.

International Political Sociology

Connecting Theory and Practice in a Global Context
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESSISSN: 1749-5679Frequency: 4 issues/year

International Political Sociology is a leading scholarly journal published by Oxford University Press, dedicated to advancing the field of political sociology by examining the interactions between politics and society on a global scale. With an ISSN of 1749-5679 and an E-ISSN of 1749-5687, this esteemed journal has firmly established itself as a critical resource for researchers, practitioners, and students alike, particularly since its inception in 2008, and continues to converge towards becoming a definitive platform by 2024. Recognized for its high impact, it holds a Q1 ranking in both Sociology and Political Science as of 2023, placing it in the top quartile of its category, with an impressive Scopus rank of 202 out of 1466, reflecting an 86th percentile standing. Readers have access to in-depth analyses and innovative perspectives that address pressing political issues within a sociological context. This journal serves as a crucial nexus for interdisciplinary dialogue and is vital for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the socio-political landscape.

Ethics & International Affairs

Empowering Scholars to Tackle Global Ethical Dilemmas
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0892-6794Frequency: 4 issues/year

Ethics & International Affairs is a leading peer-reviewed journal published by Cambridge University Press, offering critical insights at the intersection of ethics, philosophy, and international relations. Established in 1987 and reflecting a robust commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship, the journal aims to foster dialogue on pressing ethical issues in global affairs, addressing topics from military intervention to humanitarian aid. With an impressive Scopus ranking that places it in the 85th percentile for Philosophy and the 64th percentile for Political Science and International Relations, Ethics & International Affairs has established itself as a cornerstone publication within academic circles. Although the journal is not Open Access, it remains accessible through academic institutions and libraries. The journal provides a platform for researchers, professionals, and students alike to contribute to and engage with the evolving discourse on ethical challenges in international contexts, making it an essential resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the moral dimensions of global politics.

British Journal of Politics & International Relations

Fostering innovative research in politics and international affairs.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 1369-1481Frequency: 4 issues/year

The British Journal of Politics & International Relations, published by SAGE Publications Inc, serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse in the fields of political science and international relations. With an impressive impact factor and a Scopus rank of #64 out of 706 in Political Science, this journal is recognized for its rigorous, peer-reviewed articles that contribute significantly to academic knowledge and policy discussion. With a focused scope that spans both theoretical and empirical research, the journal holds a prestigious Q1 ranking in Political Science and International Relations, as well as a Q2 designation in Management, Monitoring, Policy, and Law. Established in 2005, it has emerged as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike, engaging with contemporary challenges and fostering critical analyses. Access options are available through institutional subscriptions, ensuring wide availability for those seeking to enrich their understanding of the complex interplay between politics and international dynamics.

AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE REVIEW

Illuminating the Path of Political Inquiry and Analysis
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0003-0554Frequency: 4 issues/year

AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE REVIEW, published by Cambridge University Press, stands as a leading journal in the field of political science and international relations, with an impressive history dating back to 1906. With an ISSN of 0003-0554 and an E-ISSN of 1537-5943, this esteemed journal maintains a consistent commitment to advancing academic discourse through rigorous peer-reviewed research. Its significance is underscored by its Q1 ranking in both the Political Science and International Relations and Sociological fields as of 2023, positioning it at the forefront of scholarly communication with a Scopus rank of #8 out of 706 and a remarkable 98th percentile in political science. Although the journal does not currently offer open access options, its comprehensive scope encompasses pivotal issues in political theory, policy analysis, and comparative politics, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of the political landscape. As it strives toward a convergence of knowledge from 1906-2024, the AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE REVIEW continues to be a cornerstone for those engaged in the exploration of political dynamics and institutional behavior.