PACIFIC AFFAIRS

Scope & Guideline

Exploring the Dynamics of Society and Politics in the Pacific

Introduction

Welcome to the PACIFIC AFFAIRS 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 PACIFIC AFFAIRS, 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
ISSN0030-851x
PublisherPACIFIC AFFAIRS UNIV BRITISH COLUMBIA
Support Open AccessNo
CountryCanada
TypeJournal
Converge1979, from 1981 to 1982, 1984, from 1991 to 2024
AbbreviationPAC AFF / Pac. Aff.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address376-1855 WEST MALL, VANCOUVER, BC V6T 1Z2, CANADA

Aims and Scopes

PACIFIC AFFAIRS is a multidisciplinary journal that focuses on the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region. It serves as a platform for scholarly discussion on contemporary issues, drawing upon a variety of theoretical frameworks and methodologies to examine the complexities of the region.
  1. Regional Political Dynamics:
    The journal explores the political landscapes of various Asia-Pacific countries, including governance structures, electoral politics, and state-society relations.
  2. Cultural Interactions and Identity:
    PACIFIC AFFAIRS investigates how cultural narratives, identities, and practices shape and are shaped by historical and contemporary contexts across the region.
  3. Economic Development and Globalization:
    The journal addresses issues of economic policy, trade relations, and the impact of globalization on local economies, particularly in small states and developing nations.
  4. Environmental Concerns and Sustainability:
    Research published in this journal often focuses on environmental issues, including resource management, climate change, and the socio-political implications of ecological crises.
  5. Social Movements and Civil Society:
    PACIFIC AFFAIRS examines the role of social movements, civil society organizations, and grassroots activism in promoting democracy, human rights, and social justice.
  6. Transnational and Diasporic Studies:
    The journal also investigates the experiences of diasporic communities and transnational movements, reflecting on how migration shapes identities and power dynamics.
The journal has seen several emerging themes that reflect the evolving political, cultural, and social landscapes of the Asia-Pacific region. This section outlines these trending topics.
  1. Climate Change and Environmental Justice:
    There is a growing focus on how climate change disproportionately affects marginalized communities in the Asia-Pacific, highlighting environmental justice and sustainable practices.
  2. Digital Culture and Technology:
    Research on the influence of digital media, technology, and virtual communities is trending, especially in the context of social movements and cultural transformations.
  3. Indigenous Rights and Perspectives:
    Emerging scholarship increasingly emphasizes indigenous rights, knowledge systems, and the impacts of colonization, reflecting a broader trend towards decolonizing methodologies.
  4. Health and Pandemic Responses:
    The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a significant increase in research related to public health, governance, and societal responses to health crises across the region.
  5. Migration and Transnationalism:
    Studies examining the dynamics of migration, diaspora communities, and transnational identities are on the rise, reflecting the complexities of globalization.

Declining or Waning

While PACIFIC AFFAIRS covers a broad range of topics, certain themes appear to be declining in prominence based on recent publications. This section highlights those waning areas of focus.
  1. Traditional Security Studies:
    There has been a noticeable shift away from traditional security studies that focus primarily on military and state-centric analyses, as newer interdisciplinary approaches gain traction.
  2. Colonial Histories and Postcolonial Studies:
    Although colonialism and its impacts were once central themes, recent publications show a decline in studies specifically focused on historical colonial narratives, with more emphasis placed on contemporary issues.
  3. Nation-State Narratives:
    The emphasis on nation-state narratives and the politics of nationalism appears to be waning, as researchers increasingly explore transnational identities and global interconnectedness.
  4. Economic Growth as a Primary Focus:
    The singular focus on economic growth and development metrics has diminished in favor of more nuanced discussions that incorporate social, cultural, and environmental dimensions.
  5. Gender Studies in Isolation:
    Research featuring gender issues is becoming less isolated and is increasingly integrated with other areas such as environmental studies, politics, and globalization.

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