Publishing in International Studies Perspectives

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the association home of International Studies Perspectives (ISP)?

ISP is a journal of the International Studies Association. The International Studies Association is one of the oldest interdisciplinary associations dedicated to understanding international, transnational and global affairs. Founded in 1959, its more than 7,000 members span the globe – comprising academics, practitioners, policy experts, private sector workers and independent researchers, among others. The Association has long served as a central hub for the exchange of ideas and for networking and programmatic initiatives among those involved in the study, policy analysis and design, teaching and practice of International Studies. 

Through its highly attended Annual Convention and regional/international conferences, as well as its respected journals and the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of International Studies, the Association promotes rigorous discussion, research and writing on a broad range of topics within International Studies, broadly construed. ISA also offers various funding, bridging and mentoring opportunities that facilitate the development of new ideas, relationships and skillsets. These opportunities provide a space for underrepresented groups, early career scholars and other professionals to grow in the field.

What kind of articles are published in ISP?

Each journal in the ISA group of journals has a particular mission and scope. ISP publishes three types of articles, all of which share the common requirement of focus and relevance to matters related to international relations/international studies: Pedagogy; Policy; and Practice. More information on each can be found on the General Instructions page. 

What general manuscript guidelines should authors keep in mind? 

Manuscripts of original research (maximum of 10,000 words, inclusive of all text, notes, tables/figures, references, and appendices) with a primary emphasis on pedagogy, policy analysis, and/or practice related to international studies are suitable for ISP.

What does the journal not publish? 

Manuscripts that do not have a primary emphasis on pedagogy, policy analysis, and/or practice related to international studies should not be submitted for review. The journal does not publish announcements or book reviews of any sort.

How does the journal promote creativity and diversity in manuscript development? 

The editors of ISP encourage submissions that bridge different academic disciplines, the academic and policymaking worlds, and the teacher-student gap globally conceived. Submissions from traditionally underrepresented regions and perspectives are particularly welcomed.

What qualities should Pedagogy articles submitted to ISP demonstrate?

These articles present and analyze innovative teaching practices in the field of international studies in colleges and universities from around the world. Pedagogy articles are open in scope/method but must include empirical evidence approaches to teaching/learning and/or learning outcomes and must be grounded in the scholarship of teaching and learning. All articles submitted for the Pedagogy section of the journal should include:

• Clear demonstration of educational objectives and contribution to the scholarship of teaching and learning (SOTL);
• Well-grounded understanding of and foundation in the SOTL, including a review of published works in the area of focus;
• Clear articulation of pedagogical approach and teaching/learning strategy, including nature, procedures, guidelines, and/or rules of the approach/activity exercise;
• Assessment and reflection on evidence of learning outcomes (including transparent presentation on replication data or results);
• Must have completed IRB review process for human subjects research, in accord with ethical research and reporting standards.

What qualities should Policy Relevant articles submitted to ISP demonstrate?

These articles analyze or address policy matters or debates (often foreign policy or global and/or transnational issues)– broadly conceived – linking scholarly literature to policy. Policy articles are non-normative, evidence-based, explanatory, and analytical/evaluative.

While policy articles may have a prescriptive element/conclusion, they must be rooted in empirical analysis and further the scholarly understanding of the international or geopolitical implications of the policy addressed. All articles submitted for the Policy section of the journal should:

• Clearly explain the problem and its significance to scholars and practitioners;
• Survey relevant theories or frameworks in the existing scholarly literature and develop a clear explanatory framework or theory;
• Maintain a global and/or transnational focus consistent with the mission of ISP;
• Employ thorough evidence-based analysis;
• Address the implications and policy relevance of the findings for theoretical and practical understanding of the problem under examination.

What qualities should Practice articles submitted to ISP demonstrate?

These articles offer insights into current trends in international studies in the academic and practitioner communities, including topics concerning the state of the discipline, methodological debates, publishing in international studies, the academic and nonacademic job market, professional development, and others. While these articles may include observational/experiential insights and prescription, they should be analytical and grounded in empirical evidence and relevant scholarship. Practice articles should further the understanding of issues, challenges, and practices involving and/or affecting the academic and/or policy practitioner communities. All articles submitted for the Practice section of the journal should:

• Focus on matters involving or directly related to international studies communities;
• Clearly explain the issue, challenge, or practice and its significance to scholars;
• Ground the analysis in relevant scholarly literature;
• Include empirical evidence on which the analysis is based;
• Offer an original contribution diagnosing, explaining, and/or offering solutions to the matter(s) on which the article focuses.

The editors also welcome questions or informal outreach from authors who are developing Pedagogy, Policy, or Practice manuscripts to discuss expectations and potential fit for publication. Contact us at [email protected].