American Political Science Review

American Political Science Review. It is the flagship scholarly journal of the American Political Science Association and is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and influential publications in the field of political science. First published in 1906, the journal is dedicated to publishing significant theoretical and empirical research across all major sub-disciplines, including political theory, American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political methodology. Edited by scholars such as Lisa L. Martin and published by Cambridge University Press, it serves as a central forum for scholarly debate and the dissemination of groundbreaking research that shapes the discipline globally.

History and background

The journal was established in 1906, shortly after the founding of the American Political Science Association itself in 1903, with early editors including figures like W. W. Willoughby and John A. Fairlie. Its creation was part of a broader professionalization movement within the social sciences in the early 20th century, mirroring developments in organizations like the American Economic Association and the American Historical Association. Throughout its history, the publication has been housed at various institutions, including Michigan State University, George Washington University, and Harvard University, before its current publishing partnership. The journal's evolution reflects major shifts in the discipline, from early legalistic and historical analyses toward the behavioral revolution led by scholars like David Easton and the subsequent rise of formal theory and rigorous quantitative methodology.

Scope and content

The journal publishes original research articles that span the entire spectrum of political science. This includes work in political theory on thinkers from Plato to John Rawls, empirical studies in American politics examining institutions like the United States Congress and the Supreme Court of the United States, and comparative analyses of regimes from the French Fifth Republic to the Communist Party of China. Its pages feature research on international relations theory, conflict studies such as the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), and sophisticated political methodology employing tools from game theory to Bayesian statistics. The journal also includes critical book reviews and occasional symposia on pressing topics, ensuring a comprehensive dialogue on governance, power, and political behavior across different contexts like the European Union and the United Nations.

Editorial process and impact

The editorial process is managed by a lead editor, historically including notable scholars like Samuel Kernell and Ronald Rogowski, supported by a team of associate editors specializing in subfields. Manuscripts undergo a rigorous double-blind peer review process involving experts from institutions such as the University of Chicago, Stanford University, and the London School of Economics. This stringent review upholds the journal's high standards, contributing to its exceptional impact factor as measured by the Social Sciences Citation Index. The publication is a cornerstone of academic careers, with placement in its pages often considered vital for tenure and promotion at major research universities worldwide, influencing curricula and research agendas from Oxford University to the University of Tokyo.

Notable articles and contributions

The journal has published many seminal articles that have defined political science research. These include Robert Dahl's work on polyarchy, Kenneth Waltz's foundational texts on neorealism in international relations, and Elinor Ostrom's research on common-pool resource governance, for which she later won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. Other landmark contributions include Arend Lijphart's analysis of consociational democracy, Robert Putnam's early work on social capital, and Alexander Wendt's constructivist challenge to mainstream international relations theory. These articles, among others, have sparked enduring scholarly debates and have been extensively cited in works published by presses like Princeton University Press and in journals such as International Organization.

Relationship to the American Political Science Association

The journal is the principal scholarly publication of the American Political Science Association and is governed by its elected council. The association's annual meeting, a major event held in venues like the San Francisco Marriott Marquis, features numerous panels discussing research first published in the journal. Subscription to the publication is a key benefit of membership in the association, which also oversees other periodicals like PS: Political Science & Politics and Perspectives on Politics. The editor is appointed by the association's president, a position held by scholars such as Rodney E. Hero and Kathleen Thelen, ensuring the journal's direction aligns with the broader mission of advancing political science scholarship and professional development.

Category:Political science journals Category:Cambridge University Press academic journals Category:Publications established in 1906 Category:English-language journals Category:Quarterly journals