South African Journal of International Affairs-SAJIA

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Insight into Political Science in Africa

Introduction

Welcome to the South African Journal of International Affairs-SAJIA 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 South African Journal of International Affairs-SAJIA, 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
ISSN1022-0461
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1993 to 2024
AbbreviationS AFR J INT AFF / S. Afr. J. Int. Aff.
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 South African Journal of International Affairs (SAJIA) serves as a critical platform for scholarly discourse on international relations, with a specific emphasis on Africa's role within the global context. The journal aims to foster a deeper understanding of the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in and around the African continent.
  1. International Relations and Geopolitics:
    The journal focuses on the evolving international relations landscape, particularly how African nations interact with global powers and regional organizations, reflecting on themes such as diplomacy, security, and economic partnerships.
  2. Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies:
    SAJIA addresses issues of conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and the effectiveness of various peace processes across Africa, emphasizing adaptive strategies in response to ongoing violence and instability.
  3. Migration and Mobility:
    The journal explores migration trends within Africa, examining the socio-political implications of migration, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with human movement across borders.
  4. Sustainable Development and Environmental Justice:
    A significant focus is placed on sustainable development initiatives, climate change, and environmental justice, particularly in the context of Africa's unique challenges and the quest for equitable resource management.
  5. Democracy and Governance:
    SAJIA critically analyzes democratic processes, electoral management, and governance issues in Africa, highlighting the impact of democratic backsliding and strategies for enhancing electoral integrity.
  6. Economic Development and Trade Relations:
    The journal investigates economic policies, trade agreements, and the implications of global economic trends for African countries, particularly in relation to regional cooperation frameworks like AfCFTA.
Recent publications in SAJIA indicate a shift towards several emerging themes that reflect current global challenges and the evolving nature of international affairs, especially in the African context.
  1. Geopolitical Shifts and Emerging Powers:
    There is a growing focus on the influence of emerging powers like China and Russia in Africa, examining their strategies and implications for African sovereignty and international relations.
  2. Digital Diplomacy and Technology in International Relations:
    The exploration of digital diplomacy has gained traction, with research emphasizing how technology reshapes diplomatic practices and communication in the context of African states.
  3. Climate Change and Environmental Policy:
    The urgency of addressing climate change has led to an increased emphasis on environmental policies and their intersection with international relations, particularly in relation to sustainable development goals.
  4. Human Rights and Governance:
    An emerging theme is the critical analysis of human rights issues within international relations, focusing on the responsibilities of African states and the influence of international norms.
  5. Transnational Security Threats:
    There is a rising interest in transnational security threats, such as terrorism and organized crime, and their implications for regional stability and governance in Africa.

Declining or Waning

While the journal maintains a broad focus, certain themes have become less prominent in recent publications, reflecting shifts in research priorities and global attention.
  1. Cold War Dynamics and Historical Analyses:
    The exploration of historical geopolitical dynamics from the Cold War era has seen a decline, as contemporary issues increasingly dominate the discourse, particularly those that address current geopolitical tensions.
  2. Traditional Security Studies:
    There appears to be a waning emphasis on conventional security studies that focus solely on military aspects, with a shift towards understanding security through broader socio-economic and political lenses.
  3. Bilateral Relations with Traditional Powers:
    Research focusing on bilateral relations with traditional powers (e.g., Western nations) has diminished, as scholars increasingly turn their attention to multipolarity and the role of emerging powers like China and India.
  4. State-Centric Views on Development:
    There is a noticeable decline in the state-centric approach to development, with more scholars advocating for inclusive and participatory frameworks that consider non-state actors and grassroots movements.
  5. Aid Dependency and Critiques of International Aid:
    The examination of aid dependency as a critical issue has receded, likely due to a growing focus on self-sufficiency and sustainable development practices that prioritize local agency.

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