Aims & Scope

The Journal of International and Prospective Studies is explicitly pluralist in outlook. Editorial policy favours variety in both subject matter and method. We welcome contributions from all perspectives and on all subjects pertaining to international relations: law, economics, ethics, strategy, philosophy, culture, environment, state relations, international organisations, transnational forces, security studies, diplomacy, emerging geopolitical trends, and so on, in addition to more mainstream conceptual work and policy analysis. We believe that no single methodological approach can fully capture the complexity of phenomena. Methodological pluralism aids in developing a more comprehensive understanding of complex international issues, enriching the analysis and contributing to a more holistic understanding of international relations. By combining different approaches, researchers can better tackle the complexities and dynamics of international relations, contributing to both theoretical advancements and practical policy implications.

In addition to providing scholarly analysis of current events and trends, the journal emphasises prospective analysis – an approach that looks beyond the immediate context to anticipate future developments and trends. By engaging with prospective analysis, our journal aims to equip readers with the tools to anticipate and navigate the complexities of an ever-changing global landscape.

The journal welcomes contributions that explore a wide range of topics, themes, and areas within the field of international relations and prospective analysis. Potential research areas include but are not limited to:

• State Relations: Analysis of diplomatic relations, bilateral and multilateral agreements, and conflicts between states.
• International Organisations: Examination of the roles, functions, and effectiveness of international organisations.
• Transnational Forces: Study of global phenomena transcending national boundaries, including migration, terrorism, climate change, and globalisation.
• International Security: Investigation of security challenges, strategies, and responses at the regional and global levels, including cybersecurity, terrorism, and nuclear proliferation.
• Global Economic Issues: Research on economic trends, policies, and challenges impacting the global economy, including trade agreements, economic development, and financial crises.
• Foreign Policies: Examination of the foreign policies of various states, their objectives, strategies, and implications for international relations.
• Military and Strategic Studies: Study of military doctrines, strategies, and conflicts, including defence policies, arms control, and military technology.
• Global Economic Policy: Analysis of policies addressing economic issues at the global level, including monetary policy coordination, trade agreements, and development assistance.
• International Cultural Policy: Exploration of policies and initiatives aimed at promoting cultural exchange, preservation of cultural heritage, and fostering cultural diplomacy in the international arena.
• Theory and Methodology of International Relations: Exploration of theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, and interdisciplinary approaches to studying international relations and prospective analysis.
• Prospective Analysis: Prospective or Foresight analysis is not about predicting the future. Instead, it aims to identify the drivers of change in reality to analyse their possible evolution and thereby construct scenarios to either pursue (if the outcomes are positive) or avoid and prevent (if they are negative). To do this, it is necessary to consider international relations phenomena from a systemic perspective, understand which variables are decisive, establish patterns, and identify factors that could radically alter the morphology of that reality. We particularly encourage authors to develop these insights in the form of Research Notes and Policy Briefs. Research Notes are short, focused analyses that present preliminary findings, innovative ideas, or new research questions related to prospective analysis in international relations. These notes should provide a concise but insightful exploration of emerging trends and potential future developments. Policy Briefs are practical and actionable documents that summarise key findings from prospective analysis and offer recommendations for policymakers. These briefs should highlight scenarios that decision-makers need to either pursue or avoid, based on the systemic analysis of international relations phenomena.

While the journal covers these and related topics comprehensively, it also encourages submissions that explore emerging areas, innovative methodologies, and interdisciplinary perspectives within the field of international relations. The scope of the journal is dynamic and inclusive, welcoming diverse research contributions that advance understanding and stimulate dialogue on contemporary issues shaping the international landscape.

Types of Submissions and Contributions

The journal invites submissions of various types of research articles that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of international relations and prospective analysis. The journal publishes the following types of research:

Original Research Articles – Original research articles should generally not exceed 8,000-10,000 words on first submission and 12,000 words as the final version—including all tables, figures, footnotes, and bibliography, but excluding the abstract and a maximum of 10 pages of appendices. These submissions address important global issues relevant to a general international studies audience. They should have an original theoretical argument supported, when appropriate, by substantive analysis appropriate to the methodological approach of the manuscript. Only original submissions, not published or under review elsewhere, will be considered for review.

Research notes – Research Notes are submissions that are shorter, more focused, demonstrate a novel perspective on existing research, and encourage scholarly debate (maximum length 4,000 words). Typically, a note does not need to include a full literature review and has a much briefer introduction, argument, analysis, and conclusion. Research Notes often include, but are not limited to, a new theoretical perspective, methodological progress, alternative empirical findings, as well as comments on and extensions of existing work. Research Notes communicate new insights and the main ideas succinctly, in accessible prose.

Policy Briefs & Practitioner Commentaries – Policy briefs and practitioner commentaries should be no more than 1,500 words in length. The purpose of these contributions is to provide policymakers’ perspectives on practical aspects of global policy change and international relations.

Book Reviews – The journal publishes book reviews that offer insightful critiques and evaluations of recently published books relevant to the field of international studies. Authors interested in submitting book reviews should follow the journal’s guidelines for book review submissions.

Special Issues – The journal welcomes special issue proposals. The editors will occasionally accept special issue proposals in which a number of research articles are linked together under a common theme, overseen by guest editors. Proposals for a special issue should be sent directly to the Editor-in-Chief. Refer to Proposing a Special Issue.

Guidelines for preparing your manuscript can be found in the Author Guidelines. Once your manuscript is ready, you may proceed to the Submission page to complete the process.