Regional and Federal Studies

Scope & Guideline

Illuminating Policy Development in Diverse Contexts

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Regional and Federal Studies with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1359-7566
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1995 to 2024
AbbreviationREG FED STUD / Reg. Fed. Stud.
Frequency5 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Regional and Federal Studies' is dedicated to advancing the understanding of regional governance, federalism, and multilevel political systems. It encompasses a wide range of methodologies and theoretical frameworks, consistently focusing on comparative analyses, case studies, and empirical research that contribute to the discourse on territorial politics.
  1. Regional Governance:
    The journal emphasizes the study of governance at the regional level, exploring how local and regional governments operate, interact, and influence policy outcomes within various political contexts.
  2. Federalism and Decentralization:
    It provides a platform for research on federal structures, decentralization processes, and their implications for democracy, governance, and public policy.
  3. Multilevel Governance:
    The journal investigates the complexities of governance across multiple levels (local, regional, national, and supranational), focusing on the interactions and conflicts between these levels.
  4. Policy Analysis and Transfer:
    It includes studies on policy implementation, transfer, and learning across regions, examining how policies are adapted in different contexts and the effectiveness of these adaptations.
  5. Political Behavior and Elections:
    The journal also explores electoral systems, political behavior, and the dynamics of regional elections, providing insights into how these factors shape governance and representation.
  6. Identity and Nationalism:
    Research on regional identity, nationalism, and their impact on political dynamics is a significant focus, particularly in the context of secessionist movements and regional autonomy.
Recent publications in 'Regional and Federal Studies' reflect emerging themes that highlight the evolving nature of regional governance and federalism. These trends indicate a shift towards more nuanced, interdisciplinary approaches to understanding complex political landscapes.
  1. Impact of Globalization on Regional Politics:
    There is an increasing focus on how globalization affects regional governance, identity, and policy-making, particularly in the context of transnational interactions and local responses to global challenges.
  2. COVID-19 and Multilevel Governance:
    The pandemic has catalyzed research on the responses of multilevel governance systems, highlighting the complexities of coordination and conflict between different levels of government.
  3. Environmental Policies and Regional Governance:
    A growing interest in how regional governments implement environmental policies reflects broader concerns about climate change and sustainability, emphasizing the role of local actors in global environmental governance.
  4. Ethnic and National Identity Politics:
    Emerging studies are increasingly examining the intersections of ethnicity, nationalism, and regional governance, particularly in contexts of conflict, autonomy movements, and identity politics.
  5. Technological Impact on Governance:
    Research is trending towards understanding the influence of technology on governance structures and political behavior, including the role of social media in regional elections and policy advocacy.
  6. Comparative Federalism and Policy Innovation:
    There is a rising trend in comparative studies that analyze policy innovations across federal systems, exploring how different regions adapt successful practices and the implications for governance.

Declining or Waning

While 'Regional and Federal Studies' has maintained a robust focus on various themes, certain areas have shown signs of decline in recent publications. These waning themes may reflect shifts in research priorities or changing political landscapes.
  1. Traditional Theories of Federalism:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in papers grounded in classical federalism theories, with less emphasis on historical models and more focus on contemporary challenges and adaptations.
  2. Centralized Governance Models:
    Research centered on centralized governance structures is appearing less frequently, possibly due to the prevailing interest in decentralization and regional empowerment.
  3. Static Case Studies:
    The journal is moving away from static, descriptive case studies of regional governance, favoring more dynamic analyses that consider change over time and the impact of external factors.
  4. Homogeneous Regional Policies:
    There is a decline in studies that assume a one-size-fits-all approach to regional policies, as the focus shifts towards understanding the unique contexts and variations in policymaking across different regions.
  5. Minority Rights without Contextual Analysis:
    Studies addressing minority rights in isolation, lacking contextual or comparative analysis, are becoming less common, as more nuanced discussions that integrate these issues with broader governance frameworks gain prominence.

Similar Journals

Contemporary Politics

Fostering Innovative Research on Global Issues
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1356-9775Frequency: 4 issues/year

Contemporary Politics is a distinguished academic journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, specializing in the fields of Political Science, International Relations, and Sociology. With an ISSN of 1356-9775 and an E-ISSN of 1469-3631, the journal has carved out a significant place in academia, evidenced by its impressive Q1 ranking in both Political Science and Sociology categories for 2023. The journal's impact is further underscored by its Scopus rankings, placing it in the top 15% of Political Science and International Relations journals and among the top 18% in Sociology. Covering a breadth of contemporary issues from 1995 to 2024, it strives to foster insightful discourse and innovative research that illuminates the complexities of modern political landscapes. While the journal is not open access, it remains an essential resource for scholars, policymakers, and educators seeking to explore critical political dynamics and social phenomena. Based in the United Kingdom, Contemporary Politics serves as a pivotal platform for disseminating research that contributes to the understanding of pressing global issues.

European Political Science Review

Connecting Theory and Practice in Political Science
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 1755-7739Frequency: 4 issues/year

European Political Science Review is a premier academic journal published by Cambridge University Press, dedicated to advancing the field of political science and international relations. With an esteemed Q1 ranking in both Political Science and International Relations and Sociology and Political Science, the journal consistently ranks among the top-tier publications, underscoring its critical role in shaping contemporary political discourse. The journal has its origins from 2009 and continues to publish cutting-edge research that engages scholars and practitioners alike. Notably, it boasts an impressive Scopus ranking, placing it in the top 6% of political science journals, highlighting its impact and relevance in the academic community. With a focus on innovative theoretical frameworks and empirical studies, the European Political Science Review offers an essential platform for researchers, professionals, and students aiming to contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of political science. Although it does not operate under an open access model, its rigorous peer-review process ensures high-quality scholarly content that remains a vital resource for understanding regional and global political dynamics.

Contemporary Southeast Asia

Navigating the Socio-Political Landscape of Southeast Asia
Publisher: INST SOUTHEAST ASIAN STUDIES-ISEASISSN: 0129-797XFrequency: 3 issues/year

Contemporary Southeast Asia is a leading academic journal published by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS), Singapore, offering insightful analyses and discussions on the dynamic socio-political landscape of Southeast Asia. With an ISSN of 0129-797X and an E-ISSN of 1793-284X, this journal has been a significant contributor to the fields of Development, History, Political Science, and Sociology since its inception in 1979, and it continues to shape discourse through its robust publication record extending into 2024. The journal holds prestigious rankings, including Q2 in Development and Political Science, Q1 in History, and Q2 in Sociology, reflecting its rigorous scholarship and impact in the academic community. Researchers, professionals, and students will find valuable resources within its articles that address critical issues pertinent to the region, fostering a deeper understanding of Southeast Asia’s role in global contexts. Although the journal currently does not provide Open Access options, its contributions remain invaluable to those engaged in the study of this vibrant and diverse area.

POLITICA Y GOBIERNO

Illuminating the Path of Governance and Civic Engagement
Publisher: CENTRO DE INVESTIGACION Y DOCENCIA ECONOMICASISSN: 1665-2037Frequency: 2 issues/year

POLITICA Y GOBIERNO is a prominent academic journal published by the CENTRO DE INVESTIGACION Y DOCENCIA ECONOMICAS and primarily focuses on the dynamic fields of Political Science and International Relations. Since its inception, the journal has provided a vital platform for scholars and practitioners to disseminate their research, contributing significantly to the discourse surrounding governance and public policy. With a commendable Q2 ranking in the category of Political Science and International Relations, it is recognized for its rigorous academic standards and impactful contributions, particularly in the Latin American context. The journal is committed to exploring critical issues related to politics and government, fostering discussions that shape policy and civic engagement, while being indexed in Scopus with a ranking of 380 out of 706 in its field. Although it does not offer open access, its comprehensive analyses and thought-provoking articles remain essential reading for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of governance and political dynamics in Mexico and beyond. The journal can be accessed through institutional subscriptions, ensuring it remains a crucial resource in the study of socio-political processes.

Revue d Economie Regionale et Urbaine

Cultivating knowledge for sustainable urban futures.
Publisher: ARMAND COLINISSN: 0180-7307Frequency: 5 issues/year

Revue d Economie Regionale et Urbaine is a prestigious journal published by ARMAND COLIN, dedicated to advancing the field of regional and urban economics. Renowned for its rigorous peer-reviewed articles, this journal provides a vital platform for scholars, practitioners, and students to explore contemporary issues, methodologies, and case studies in regional development, urban policy, and economic geography. With its ISSN 0180-7307 and E-ISSN 2107-0865, the journal facilitates widespread dissemination of knowledge, although it currently does not offer open access options. Situated in Paris, France, Revue d Economie Regionale et Urbaine plays a critical role in fostering dialogue and innovation among academics and policymakers alike, contributing significantly to the understanding and enhancement of urban and regional economies.

ISSUES & STUDIES

Inspiring Informed Debates on Societal Challenges
Publisher: WORLD SCIENTIFIC PUBL CO PTE LTDISSN: 1013-2511Frequency: 4 issues/year

ISSUES & STUDIES is a prestigious academic journal published by World Scientific Publishing Company, specializing in the fields of Political Science and International Relations, as well as Sociology. With a distinguished publication history since its inception in 1972, the journal has consistently aimed to disseminate high-quality research and insightful analyses that inform and inspire discussions in relevant scholarly communities. Currently housed in Taiwan, it enjoys a notable impact, categorized in the Q2 quartile across its disciplines, reflecting its significant contribution to ongoing academic discourse. The journal is indexed by Scopus and holds respectable rankings in both Political Science and Sociology, underlining its role as a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. Engaging with ISSUES & STUDIES offers a unique opportunity to explore contemporary and historical issues through a scholarly lens, promoting a deeper understanding of complex socio-political dynamics.

India Review

Exploring India's Global Impact on Politics and Society
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1473-6489Frequency: 5 issues/year

India Review is a leading academic journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, focusing on the dynamic interplay between political science, international relations, and sociology as they pertain to the Indian context. With an ISSN of 1473-6489 and E-ISSN 1557-3036, this journal serves as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students interested in contemporary India and its global engagements. Though classified as a Q3 journal in both Political Science and Sociology categories for 2023, it provides significant contributions to the debate on India's role in the global arena, reflecting a percentile rank of 54th in Political Science and 51st in Sociology according to Scopus rankings. The journal's open access options ensure wide dissemination of research findings while maintaining rigorous academic standards. The scope of the journal, covering converged years from 2010 to 2024, allows for a comprehensive understanding of evolving political and social paradigms in India. By publishing high-quality research, India Review plays an important role in advancing scholarly discussions and informing policy decisions in the region.

Austrian Journal of Political Science

Advancing Political Discourse Globally
Publisher: OSTERREICHISCHE GESELLSCHAFT POLITIKWISSENSCHAFTISSN: 2313-5433Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Austrian Journal of Political Science, published by the OSTERREICHISCHE GESELLSCHAFT POLITIKWISSENSCHAFT, is a pivotal scholarly resource in the field of political science and sociology. With an E-ISSN of 2313-5433, this open access journal has been promoting academic discourse since 2014, ensuring that research findings are accessible to a global audience. Based in Vienna, Austria, this journal plays a crucial role in shaping political studies by publishing innovative and impactful research that spans various aspects of political analysis, public policy, and social dynamics. Its significant standing is reflected in its Q3 category ranking in the 2023 Scopus database, where it holds a rank of 776 out of 1466 in the Social Sciences, demonstrating its relevance and contribution to contemporary scholarship. Researchers, professionals, and students are encouraged to engage with this valuable journal to stay informed on the latest advancements in political science.

POLITICS & SOCIETY

Fostering innovative research at the intersection of politics and society.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 0032-3292Frequency: 4 issues/year

POLITICS & SOCIETY is a premier journal published by SAGE Publications Inc, dedicated to advancing scholarly discourse in the fields of political science, sociology, and international relations. Established in the early 1970s, it has garnered a strong reputation, reflected in its esteemed Q1 rankings across multiple categories, including Political Science and International Relations, as well as Sociology. With a significant emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, the journal publishes innovative research that explores the complex interplay of politics and societal dynamics globally. Researchers aiming to publish high-quality articles will appreciate the journal's rigorous peer-review process and its commitment to theoretical and empirical excellence. Although not an open-access journal, it ensures wide accessibility through various institutional subscriptions. As the landscape of political and social studies evolves, POLITICS & SOCIETY remains at the forefront, making vital contributions to our understanding of the pressing issues that shape contemporary society.

COMMONWEALTH & COMPARATIVE POLITICS

Catalyzing Research in Political Systems and Governance
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1466-2043Frequency: 4 issues/year

COMMONWEALTH & COMPARATIVE POLITICS is a leading academic journal dedicated to the exploration and analysis of political systems and governance within the Commonwealth and beyond. Published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, this journal provides a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students in the fields of Political Science and Sociology, with a notable focus on comparative studies that enhance our understanding of diverse political contexts. As evidenced by its current impact factor and category quartile status—ranked Q3 in both Political Science and Sociology—this journal is recognized for its contributions to contemporary political discourse. Over its publication history from 2002 to 2024, it has fostered critical dialogues, showcasing rigorous research that addresses pressing global issues. With an ISSN of 1466-2043 and an E-ISSN of 1743-9094, COMMONWEALTH & COMPARATIVE POLITICS offers an open access option, ensuring that its findings are widely disseminated and accessible. Researchers and scholars looking to engage with cutting-edge political analysis will find this journal an indispensable resource.