The Journal of Conflict Resolution stands as a cornerstone in the field of Political Science, offering researchers a premier platform to publish rigorous analyses of conflict, peace, and resolution strategies. Established in 1957 by SAGE Publications, this quarterly journal has evolved into a vital resource for scholars examining interstate wars, civil conflicts, negotiation processes, and international security. Its commitment to interdisciplinary approaches draws contributions from Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, and Economics, fostering a rich dialogue on global challenges.
With a focus on empirical and theoretical work, the Journal of Conflict Resolution emphasizes quantitative methods, game theory, and experimental designs to advance understanding of conflict dynamics. Researchers value its rigorous peer-review process, which ensures only the highest-quality manuscripts are published. The journal's impact factor of 5.4 (2023 Clarivate Analytics) underscores its influence, ranking it among the top outlets in International Relations and Political Science. Submissions often explore topics like ethnic conflicts, terrorism, peacekeeping operations, and diplomatic bargaining, making it essential for academics aiming to shape policy and theory.
Publishing in the Journal of Conflict Resolution enhances a researcher's career by associating their work with a prestigious, long-standing publication. Its broad readership, including policymakers and international organizations, amplifies the reach of accepted articles. For those navigating the academic job market, featuring publications here signals expertise in high-stakes research areas. The journal's open access options further extend visibility, allowing global access to innovative findings.
To explore opportunities in academia, check out higher education jobs and connect with peers through our network.
Overview & History
The Journal of Conflict Resolution was founded in 1957 at the University of Michigan, initially sponsored by the Center for Research on Conflict Resolution. It emerged during the Cold War era to address the pressing need for scholarly inquiry into war prevention and peacebuilding. Over decades, it has published seminal works that influenced fields like International Relations and Peace Studies. Today, under SAGE Publications, it maintains bimonthly issues, featuring articles that blend archival data, surveys, and simulations. Its evolution reflects growing emphasis on global conflicts, from nuclear deterrence to cyber warfare, solidifying its role as a foundational journal in Political Science.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The journal's scope encompasses theoretical and empirical studies on all aspects of conflict and its resolution, including interpersonal, organizational, and international levels. It prioritizes research that advances methodologies for predicting and mitigating violence. Key disciplines include Political Science as primary, with strong ties to Sociology, Psychology, Economics, and Law.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Political Science | Core focus on international relations, security studies, and comparative politics. |
| Sociology | Explores social structures in ethnic and civil conflicts. |
| Psychology | Investigates decision-making and behavioral aspects of negotiation. |
| Economics | Analyzes costs of conflict and incentives for peace. |
| International Relations | Covers diplomacy, alliances, and global governance. |
Key Journal Metrics
The Journal of Conflict Resolution boasts strong metrics that highlight its academic rigor and influence. Its h-index of 142 indicates sustained citation impact over time.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2023) | 5.4 | Clarivate JCR |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 5.8 | Clarivate JCR |
| CiteScore | 8.2 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 10-15% | Publisher data |
| Average Review Time | 3-4 months | SAGE ScholarOne |
Indexing and Abstracting
The journal is widely indexed, ensuring discoverability. It appears in Clarivate Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index), Scopus, JSTOR, and ProQuest. Abstracting services include PAIS International and International Bibliography of the Social Sciences. This coverage supports researchers tracking citations and enhances article visibility in academic databases.
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, the Journal of Conflict Resolution offers subscription-based access with open access options via SAGE Choice. Article Processing Charges (APCs) for open access are $3,000 USD, waivable for certain regions. No fees apply for standard submissions, promoting accessibility for diverse scholars. Print ISSN 0022-0027 and electronic ISSN 1552-8768 facilitate both formats.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled through SAGE's ScholarOne platform. Authors must adhere to APA style, with manuscripts up to 10,000 words excluding references. Originality is verified via iThenticate. The process involves initial editorial screening, followed by double-anonymized peer review. Guidelines emphasize clear hypotheses, robust data, and implications for theory or policy. For detailed instructions, visit the official site.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial team, led by Editor-in-Chief Bruce Bueno de Mesquita (New York University), includes experts like Monica Duffy Toft (Tufts University) and Idean Salehyan (University of Texas). Board members hail from top institutions worldwide, bringing diverse perspectives on conflict research. Their guidance ensures balanced, high-standard publications.
Why Publish in Journal of Conflict Resolution?
Publishing here offers unparalleled exposure in Political Science. The journal's prestige aids tenure and grant applications, while its interdisciplinary appeal broadens impact. High citation rates boost h-index, and connections to global networks foster collaborations. For career advancement, consider tenure-track faculty jobs.
Comparison with Similar Journals
The Journal of Conflict Resolution compares favorably to peers in scope and metrics.
| Journal | Impact Factor | Publisher | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journal of Conflict Resolution | 5.4 | SAGE | Broad conflict resolution |
| International Studies Quarterly | 3.2 | Oxford | International relations |
| Journal of Peace Research | 4.8 | SAGE | Peace and conflict studies |
| Conflict Management and Peace Science | 1.5 | SAGE | Quantitative conflict models |
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, craft a strong abstract highlighting novelty. Use mixed methods for robustness. Engage with recent issues for contextualization. Seek feedback pre-submission. Track progress via the portal. For academic planning, use our academic calendar and PhD programs resources. Additional links: postdoc positions, Rate My Professor, international faculty jobs, research grants, conference listings, tenure advice.