Review of African Political Economy

Scope & Guideline

Unpacking the dynamics of change in Africa's political and economic spheres.

Introduction

Welcome to the Review of African Political Economy 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 Review of African Political Economy, 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
ISSN0305-6244
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1974 to 2023
AbbreviationREV AFR POLIT ECON / Rev. Afr. Polit. Econ.
Frequency4 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 Review of African Political Economy focuses on critical analyses of the political economy of Africa, addressing major socio-economic, environmental, and political issues that shape the continent's development and governance. The journal aims to provide a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, emphasizing the importance of grassroots movements and alternative narratives in understanding Africa's complex realities.
  1. Critical Political Economy:
    The journal emphasizes a critical approach to understanding the political and economic structures that shape Africa, focusing on themes such as capitalism, extractivism, and neoliberal reforms.
  2. Climate Justice and Environmental Politics:
    A significant focus is placed on climate change and environmental issues, exploring the intersections of climate justice, imperialism, and local resistance movements across various African contexts.
  3. Social Movements and Grassroots Activism:
    The journal highlights the role of social movements and grassroots activism in challenging dominant narratives and advocating for social justice, equity, and political change.
  4. Historical Contextualization:
    Papers often situate contemporary issues within historical frameworks, examining the legacies of colonialism, imperialism, and post-colonial developments in shaping current socio-political dynamics.
  5. Interdisciplinary Methodologies:
    The journal employs interdisciplinary methodologies, drawing from sociology, political science, economics, and cultural studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of African political economies.
The Review of African Political Economy has witnessed significant shifts in its focus, with emerging themes that reflect contemporary challenges and transformations within the continent. This section details these trending themes and their relevance to ongoing debates in African political economy.
  1. Climate Change and Environmental Justice:
    There is a marked increase in discussions surrounding climate change, particularly regarding its socio-economic impacts and the call for climate justice. This reflects a growing recognition of the urgency of environmental issues in Africa.
  2. Decolonial Approaches and Feminist Politics:
    Emerging narratives emphasize decolonial perspectives and feminist politics, highlighting the importance of intersectionality in understanding power dynamics and social movements in Africa.
  3. Resource Nationalism and Energy Transitions:
    A rising focus on resource nationalism and the implications of energy transitions indicates a critical examination of how African countries navigate global energy demands while asserting sovereignty over their natural resources.
  4. Informal Economies and Labour Rights:
    Increasing attention is being paid to informal economies and the rights of workers within these sectors, reflecting a broader interest in social justice and the economic realities faced by marginalized communities.
  5. Political Resistance and Governance:
    A trend towards analyzing political resistance movements, governance challenges, and the implications of authoritarianism highlights a growing concern with democratic practices and citizen agency in Africa.

Declining or Waning

While certain themes have gained traction in recent years, others appear to be declining in prominence within the journal's publications. This section highlights those waning themes and their potential implications for future research directions.
  1. Traditional Development Models:
    There is a noticeable decline in papers focused on conventional development models and neoliberal economic policies, possibly indicating a shift towards more critical and alternative frameworks that prioritize social justice and equity.
  2. Post-Colonial Nationalism:
    Themes centered on post-colonial nationalism and state-building are appearing less frequently, suggesting a growing disillusionment with nationalist narratives in favor of more localized and community-driven approaches.
  3. Eurocentric Perspectives:
    The reduction of papers adopting Eurocentric frameworks reflects a broader critique of Western-centric paradigms in the study of African political economies, as scholars increasingly seek to elevate African voices and perspectives.

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