POLITICAL SCIENCE

Scope & Guideline

Navigating the Landscape of Political Science

Introduction

Welcome to the POLITICAL SCIENCE 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 POLITICAL SCIENCE, 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
ISSN0032-3187
PublisherTAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessYes
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1948 to 1949, from 1951 to 1956, 1960, from 1962 to 1965, from 1967 to 1974, from 1976 to 2024
AbbreviationPOLIT SCI / Polit. Sci.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OR14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Political Science' serves as a platform for scholarly discourse on a wide range of political issues, employing diverse methodologies to explore the complexities of governance, political behavior, policy analysis, and international relations. Its core areas reflect the interdisciplinary nature of political science, integrating insights from economics, sociology, psychology, and history.
  1. Political Behavior and Public Opinion:
    The journal examines how individual and collective behaviors influence political outcomes, particularly through the lenses of voter turnout, public support for policies, and the dynamics of political communication.
  2. Comparative Politics:
    It investigates the comparative aspects of political systems, focusing on state-building, party politics, and the impact of electoral systems on representation and governance across different national contexts.
  3. Political Theory and Ideology:
    The journal engages with theoretical frameworks to analyze political ideologies, legitimacy, and ethical considerations in governance, reflecting on historical and contemporary political thought.
  4. International Relations and Security Studies:
    Research in this area addresses the complexities of international diplomacy, conflict resolution, and the implications of globalization on state sovereignty and security.
  5. Public Policy and Administration:
    The journal emphasizes the evaluation of public policies, bureaucratic accountability, and the implications of governance structures on social welfare and justice.
  6. Social Movements and Political Participation:
    It explores the role of social movements, civic engagement, and the factors that mobilize or demobilize citizens in the political process.
The journal has increasingly focused on emerging themes that reflect contemporary political challenges and innovations in methodology. These areas are indicative of the evolving landscape of political science and the need for adaptive frameworks to understand modern governance.
  1. Digital Politics and Online Engagement:
    Research exploring the impact of digital media, social networks, and online communication on political behavior and public opinion has surged, highlighting how technology reshapes electoral dynamics and civic engagement.
  2. Identity Politics and Intersectionality:
    There is a growing emphasis on identity politics, examining how race, gender, and other identities influence political preferences and representation, reflecting broader societal movements for equity.
  3. Populism and Anti-Establishment Sentiments:
    The rise of populism globally has prompted increased scrutiny of its causes and consequences, examining how populist movements challenge traditional political structures and norms.
  4. Environmental Politics and Climate Policy:
    There is a notable increase in research addressing the political dimensions of climate change, including policy responses and the role of public opinion in shaping environmental governance.
  5. Experimental and Quantitative Methods:
    The application of experimental designs and advanced statistical methods in political science research is on the rise, enhancing the rigor and reliability of findings in various political phenomena.

Declining or Waning

In recent years, certain themes within the journal have shown a declining prominence, reflecting shifts in political science research interests and societal changes. While previously robust areas of inquiry may still hold relevance, they appear less frequently in contemporary publications.
  1. Traditional Electoral Systems:
    Research focused on traditional electoral systems and their mechanics has decreased, possibly due to a growing interest in alternative systems such as ranked-choice voting or proportional representation.
  2. Historical Political Analysis:
    There has been a noticeable reduction in studies emphasizing historical political events or patterns, as the focus shifts towards contemporary issues and real-time political dynamics.
  3. Top-Down Governance Models:
    Previous attention to top-down governance models, such as authoritarian regimes and their internal dynamics, has waned in favor of studies that emphasize grassroots movements and participatory governance.
  4. Single-Issue Advocacy:
    Research centered on single-issue advocacy groups has become less common, as scholars increasingly seek to understand the interplay of multiple factors influencing political behavior and public policy.
  5. Political Scandals and Corruption:
    While still relevant, the frequency of papers specifically addressing political scandals and corruption has declined, possibly overshadowed by broader discussions on institutional trust and accountability.

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