Why Researchers Choose American Political Science Review for High-Impact Publications

The American Political Science Review stands as a cornerstone in the field of Political Science, offering a platform for groundbreaking research that shapes global discourse. Established in 1906 by the American Political Science Association, this journal has evolved into one of the most respected outlets for scholarly work in political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and American politics. With a rigorous peer-review process and a commitment to advancing knowledge, it attracts submissions from leading academics worldwide. Researchers value its broad scope, which encompasses empirical and theoretical contributions across subfields, ensuring wide readership and citation potential.

Publishing in the American Political Science Review signifies excellence, given its high impact factor of 5.7, as reported in the latest Clarivate Journal Citation Reports. This metric underscores its influence, with articles frequently cited in policy debates, academic syllabi, and interdisciplinary studies. The journal's hybrid model allows authors to opt for open access, enhancing visibility without mandatory fees for standard submissions. Its editorial board, comprising distinguished scholars, upholds standards that prioritize originality and methodological rigor.

For those navigating the academic landscape, the American Political Science Review offers more than publication; it provides a gateway to career advancement. Articles here often lead to invitations for conferences, grants, and tenure-track positions in Political Science departments. The journal's archives, spanning over a century, serve as an invaluable resource for literature reviews and historical analysis. As Political Science grapples with contemporary challenges like democratic erosion and global governance, this venue remains pivotal.

To explore opportunities in academia, consider browsing Political Science faculty positions or checking the academic calendar for key deadlines.

Overview & History

The American Political Science Review, often abbreviated as APSR, is the flagship journal of the American Political Science Association (APSA). Launched in 1906, it was created to foster the systematic study of politics amid the Progressive Era's push for scientific approaches to governance. Over the decades, it has mirrored the field's evolution, from early focuses on institutional analysis to modern emphases on quantitative methods and behavioral insights.

Key milestones include its role in World War II-era policy research and the post-Cold War expansion into global perspectives. Today, published quarterly by Cambridge University Press, it maintains a print and digital presence, with issues featuring up to 10 articles each. Its longevity—over 115 years—affirms its status as a bedrock of Political Science scholarship, influencing generations of researchers.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

The journal welcomes manuscripts that advance Political Science through innovative research. It covers a wide array of topics, prioritizing works with theoretical depth and empirical support. Submissions must demonstrate significance to the broader discipline.

Interdisciplinary intersections with economics, sociology, and law are encouraged when centered on political phenomena.

Key Journal Metrics

These metrics highlight the journal's selectivity and influence, with steady growth in citations over recent years.

Indexing and Abstracting

The American Political Science Review is indexed in major databases, ensuring discoverability. It appears in Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, facilitating metrics tracking. Abstracting services include JSTOR, ProQuest, and EBSCO, with full-text availability via Cambridge Core. DOAJ lists it for open access content, while Sherpa/RoMEO confirms self-archiving policies.

• Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index)
• Scopus
• PubMed (select articles)
• International Bibliography of the Social Sciences

This coverage supports researchers in building comprehensive bibliographies.

Publication Model and Fees

APSR operates on a hybrid subscription model, where access is primarily through institutional subscriptions. Authors retain copyright under a non-exclusive license, allowing broad dissemination. Open access is available via Cambridge Open Access, with an Article Processing Charge (APC) of $3,500 for funded research; waivers apply for unfunded work. No fees for standard publication, making it accessible. Page charges are not imposed, focusing on quality over cost.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Manuscripts are submitted online via the ScholarOne portal at Cambridge. Guidelines require double-anonymized review, with articles limited to 12,000 words. Formatting follows APSA style, emphasizing clarity and replicability. Initial review takes 4-6 weeks, with revisions possible. Co-authorship is common, and data availability statements are mandatory.

Prepare by reviewing recent issues and aligning with editorial priorities. For career insights, visit Rate My Professor to connect with peers.

Editorial Board Highlights

The board features luminaries like Editor-in-Chief Dawn Langan Teele (University of Pennsylvania), alongside associate editors from Harvard, Stanford, and Oxford. Their expertise spans subfields, ensuring balanced oversight. Diversity in geography and methodology strengthens impartiality.

• Dawn Langan Teele: Comparative politics and gender
• Other members: Experts in IR, methods, and theory

Why Publish in American Political Science Review?

Publishing here elevates visibility, with articles reaching thousands via Cambridge Core. The prestige aids in securing grants from NSF or APSA funds. High citation rates boost h-indexes, crucial for promotions. Compared to peers, APSR's broad appeal maximizes impact across Political Science.

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Comparison with Similar Journals

APSR excels in overall prestige and scope breadth.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

Craft a compelling abstract highlighting novelty. Ensure robust methods and engage with literature. Seek feedback pre-submission. Track progress via the portal. For planning, use the Political Science conferences calendar. Additional resources: comparative politics positions, Rate My Professor for political theory.