Book Review Guidelines

Purpose of Book Reviews

Book reviews provide an opportunity for scholars to engage critically with new literature in the field of international relations and related disciplines. They contribute to academic discourse by evaluating the contributions, strengths, and weaknesses of a book, offering insights to potential readers.

Download the Book Review Guidelines

Scope of Reviews

  • Topics: Reviews should focus on books relevant to international relations. They can include monographs, edited volumes, and key texts published within the last five years.
  • Audience: Reviews should be accessible to scholars, practitioners, and students in the field, providing clear arguments and recommendations.

Review Length

  • Word Count: Book reviews should typically be between 800 to 1,500 words. This length allows for a comprehensive evaluation while remaining concise.

Structure of the Review

Reviews should be structured as follows:

  • Introduction:
    • Briefly introduce the book, including the title, author(s), and main thesis.
    • State the significance of the book in the field.
  • Summary of Content:
    • Provide a concise summary of the main arguments and themes.
    • Highlight key chapters or sections that are particularly important.
  • Critical Evaluation:
    • Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the book.
    • Discuss the author’s methodology, use of evidence, and theoretical framework.
    • Consider how the book contributes to existing literature and its implications for the field.
  • Conclusion:
    • Summarise your overall assessment of the book.
    • Recommend the book to specific audiences (e.g., scholars, practitioners, students).

Review Process

  • Submission: Reviews should be submitted through the journal’s online submission system. Authors should include a brief bio (50-100 words) highlighting their expertise and interest in the subject matter.
  • Peer Review: All book reviews will undergo a peer review process to ensure quality and relevance. Authors may be asked to revise their reviews based on feedback from reviewers.

Citation Style

  • All reviews should follow the APA 7th edition citation style. Ensure that all references are formatted correctly, including the book being reviewed.

Ethical Considerations

  • Originality: Reviews should be original and not published elsewhere.
  • Conflict of Interest: Authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including relationships with the author(s) of the book being reviewed.

Suggestions for Writing a Book Review

When writing a book review for the Journal of International and Prospective Studies, it is essential to go beyond merely summarising the content of the book. Instead, your review should critically evaluate the author’s arguments, placing them within the broader context of scholarly literature. We encourage authors to share their insights and perspectives, resulting in a well-crafted, lively, and engaging review. Below are some themes and considerations to keep in mind while writing:

  1. Thesis and Originality
    Evaluate the persuasiveness of the author’s main thesis. Does the author present an original argument or approach? Consider the theoretical framework used and how effectively it supports the book’s central claims.
  2. Coherence and Clarity
    Assess the coherence and clarity of the author’s presentation. Is the argument logically structured? Are complex ideas articulated in an accessible manner? A well-organised review should reflect on how the author’s style impacts the reader’s understanding.
  3. Scholarship Evaluation
    Examine the soundness, accuracy, and thoroughness of the scholarship. Is the research well-supported by evidence? Consider the author’s engagement with existing literature and whether they provide adequate context for their claims.
  4. Writing Style and Organisation
    Reflect on the effectiveness of the writing style and the overall organisation of the book. Is the prose engaging? Do the chapters flow logically from one to the next? A strong review will comment on how these elements enhance or detract from the reader’s experience.
  5. Relevance of Source Material
    Discuss the relevance of the source material relative to the book’s larger aims. Are the sources appropriately chosen to support the author’s arguments? Evaluate how well the author integrates these materials into the narrative.
  6. Contribution to the Field
    Consider the book’s contribution to ongoing debates within its field or body of literature. What new perspectives or insights does it offer? How does it advance scholarly discussions on the topic?
  7. Target Audience
    Identify the intended audience for the book. For whom is the book most appropriate or useful? Discuss whether the author successfully addresses the needs and expectations of this audience.

Contact Information

All parties interested in reviewing books for the journal should contact the editorial team by email at jips@uit.ac.ma.