Regional and Federal Studies

Scope & Guideline

Connecting Scholars, Practitioners, and Policymakers

Introduction

Welcome to the Regional and Federal Studies 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 Regional and Federal Studies, 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
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

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.

Asian Journal of Comparative Politics

Navigating the Intersections of Politics and Society in Asia
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 2057-8911Frequency: 4 issues/year

Asian Journal of Comparative Politics, published by SAGE Publications Ltd, is a leading academic journal dedicated to the exploration of political systems, comparative politics, and international relations across Asia. With an ISSN of 2057-8911 and E-ISSN 2057-892X, the journal serves as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking rigorous analyses and insights into the dynamic political landscapes within the region. Operating under a charitable open-access model, the journal publishes high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that contribute significantly to the understanding of sociopolitical trends and governance in Asia, positioning itself in Q2 of its field with an impressive ranking in both Political Science and Sociology as of 2023. With a Scopus rank of #286 in the Political Science and International Relations category, it provides a platform for scholarly dialogue and fosters cross-national understanding critical for contemporary global challenges. The journal's content spans diverse methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches, making it a vital reference for those involved in comparative analysis and political inquiry.

Politicka Misao-Croatian Political Science Review

Navigating Political Landscapes with Scholarly Insight.
Publisher: SVEUCILISTE & ZAGREBU, FAK POLITICKIH ZNANOSTIISSN: 0032-3241Frequency: 4 issues/year

Politicka Misao-Croatian Political Science Review (ISSN: 0032-3241, E-ISSN: 1846-8721), published by SVEUCILISTE & ZAGREBU, FAK POLITICKIH ZNANOSTI, is a leading Open Access journal that has been disseminating influential research in political science and related fields since its inception in 1985. Located in the heart of Croatia, this scholarly platform has gained a robust reputation for publishing high-quality articles that contribute to the understanding of political dynamics, sociology, and international relations. With an impressive Q3 classification in History and Q4 standings in both Political Science and Sociology for 2023, the journal continues to provide valuable insights to researchers, practitioners, and students alike. Recognizing the significance of accessible knowledge, Politicka Misao embraced the Open Access model in 2014, ensuring that critical academic work reaches a broader audience. Its inclusion in prestigious databases further underscores its academic rigor, making it a crucial resource for anyone engaged in political studies and beyond.

POLITISCHE VIERTELJAHRESSCHRIFT

Unpacking Political Dynamics Through Rigorous Research
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 0032-3470Frequency: 4 issues/year

POLITISCHE VIERTELJAHRESSCHRIFT, published by SPRINGER, is a leading academic journal in the fields of sociology and political science, esteemed for its rigorous peer-reviewed articles and impactful research contributions. With an ISSN of 0032-3470 and an E-ISSN of 1862-2860, this journal enjoys a prominent reputation, categorized in the Q2 quartile as of 2023, ranking #454 out of 1466 in Scopus for social sciences. The journal's scope covers a broad range of topics, including political theory, public policy, and social movements, making it a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. It is published in Germany and features scholarly articles that bridge theoretical frameworks with empirical studies, fostering a deeper understanding of contemporary political phenomena. Although it currently does not offer open access, its publications are available through various academic libraries and databases, ensuring that its critical insights reach an extensive audience. Join the discourse in political science and sociology through the profound analyses presented in each quarterly issue, which has been converging since 1987, providing invaluable perspectives that contribute to the evolving landscape of social sciences.

East European Politics

Fostering Discourse on Contemporary Political Issues
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 2159-9165Frequency: 4 issues/year

East European Politics, published by ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, is a premier academic journal that plays a pivotal role in advancing the understanding of the socio-political dynamics within East Europe. Established in 2012 and spanning through 2024, this journal is renowned for its rigorous scholarship, achieving a distinguished Q1 ranking in key categories including Development, Geography, Planning and Development, and Political Science and International Relations for 2023. With an impressive Scopus rank placing it in the top 5% within the fields of Political Science and International Relations, East European Politics serves as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to engage with contemporary political issues and development challenges in the region. The journal does not offer open access at this time, but maintains a rich archive of high-quality articles that contribute significantly to scholarly discourse and policy analysis. This vital platform not only disseminates current research but also fosters a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural contexts that shape the political landscapes of East Europe.

POLITICS & SOCIETY

Illuminating the complexities of political science and sociology.
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.

Politics & Policy

Shaping Political Dialogue for a Better Tomorrow
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 1555-5623Frequency: 6 issues/year

Politics & Policy, published by WILEY, is an esteemed journal in the fields of Political Science and International Relations, as well as Sociology, which upholds a Q2 ranking across two critical categories as of 2023. Established in 2001, this journal serves as a pivotal platform for scholarly articles that delve into contemporary political issues, policy-making processes, and their societal implications, fostering a deeper understanding of the interplay between politics and governance. With an ISSN of 1555-5623 and an E-ISSN of 1747-1346, the journal is indexed in leading databases, ensuring wide accessibility and dissemination of research findings. Research within these pages is characterized by rigorous scholarship, aiming not just to present findings but to inform policy and stimulate critical discourse among researchers, practitioners, and students alike. Its contributions are vital in helping shape political dialogue and policy formulation, making it an essential resource for those engaged in the social sciences.

Analele Universitatii Bucuresti-Stiinte Politice

Fostering Dialogue in Contemporary Political Discourse
Publisher: EDITURA UNIVERSITATII BUCURESTI - Bucharest Univ PressISSN: 1582-2486Frequency: 2 issues/year

Analele Universitatii Bucuresti-Stiinte Politice is a prominent academic journal published by EDITURA UNIVERSITATII BUCURESTI, dedicated to the interdisciplinary fields of political science and sociology. With its foundation in 2014 as an Open Access journal, it facilitates unrestricted access to its articles, championing the dissemination of knowledge and research outputs within the scholarly community. Located in Romania, this journal provides a critical platform for researchers, professionals, and students to explore contemporary issues and theoretical advancements in political science and international relations. Although currently ranked in the fourth quartile in its categories according to Scopus for the year 2023, the journal represents a growing resource for emerging scholars aiming to contribute to these fields. The journal accepts submissions in various formats, enabling a multifaceted exploration of theories, methodologies, and case studies pertinent to current socio-political dynamics. With a commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration among academics, Analele Universitatii Bucuresti-Stiinte Politice invites insightful contributions that advance understanding and provoke thought in the realms of political discourse.

Contemporary Politics

Advancing Insights in Political Science and Sociology
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.

Politologicky Casopis-Czech Journal of Political Science

Advancing Political Discourse in the Heart of Europe
Publisher: MASARYK UNIV PRESSISSN: 1211-3247Frequency: 3 issues/year

Politologicky Casopis-Czech Journal of Political Science, published by Masaryk University Press, is a prestigious scholarly journal dedicated to advancing the field of political science and international relations. Since its inception, the journal has provided a vital platform for rigorous research and discussion, featuring a diverse range of articles that explore contemporary political issues, sociopolitical theories, and methodological advancements. With an impact factor placing it in the Q2 quartile for both Political Science and International Relations, as well as Sociology, it is recognized within the academic community for its contributions and scholarly relevance—ranking #268 in Political Science and #586 in Sociology in the Scopus database. Researchers, professionals, and students alike will find the journal’s open access options beneficial for disseminating knowledge and fostering academic discourse. As it converges its focus from 2015 to 2023, Politologicky Casopis continues to be an essential resource for those invested in understanding the complexities of political landscapes in the Czech Republic and beyond.