Why Researchers Choose World Politics for High-Impact Publications
World Politics stands as a cornerstone in the field of Political Science, offering researchers a platform to engage with critical issues in international relations and comparative politics. Established in 1948 by Princeton University and now published by Cambridge University Press, this quarterly journal has built a reputation for publishing rigorous, innovative scholarship that shapes global discourse. With a focus on theoretical and empirical analyses of political processes worldwide, World Politics attracts contributions from leading academics who seek to advance understanding of power dynamics, state behavior, and transnational challenges.
The journal's enduring prestige stems from its commitment to high scholarly standards and interdisciplinary appeal. It features articles that bridge Political Science with economics, sociology, and history, making it essential reading for those studying contemporary global affairs. Researchers value World Politics for its selective editorial process, which ensures only the most impactful work reaches publication. The journal's influence is evident in its citation metrics and role in tenure and promotion decisions within academia.
Publishing in World Politics offers visibility among policymakers, think tanks, and international organizations. Its archives provide a rich resource for tracing the evolution of political thought since the post-World War II era. For scholars aiming to contribute to debates on democracy, conflict, and globalization, this journal represents an unparalleled opportunity. As Political Science evolves, World Politics continues to set benchmarks for excellence, encouraging submissions that challenge conventional wisdom and propose new frameworks.
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Overview & History
World Politics was founded in 1948 at Princeton University to address the pressing political questions of the postwar world. Initially sponsored by the university's Center for International Studies, it quickly became a vital forum for debates on international security, development, and ideology. Over the decades, the journal has chronicled shifts from Cold War tensions to the rise of multipolarity, maintaining its focus on empirical and theoretical rigor.
Today, under Cambridge University Press, World Politics publishes four issues annually, each containing peer-reviewed articles, review essays, and critical discussions. Its history reflects the field's maturation, from early works on realism to contemporary analyses of populism and digital governance. This legacy underscores its role as a bridge between generations of scholars, fostering continuity in Political Science research.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
World Politics encompasses a wide array of topics within Political Science, emphasizing international and comparative perspectives. It welcomes manuscripts on state-society relations, institutional design, and global policy challenges. The journal prioritizes original research that integrates qualitative and quantitative methods to illuminate political phenomena.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| International Relations | Focuses on diplomacy, conflict resolution, and global institutions. |
| Comparative Politics | Examines political systems, democratization, and regime transitions across countries. |
| Political Economy | Explores intersections of politics and economics, including trade and inequality. |
| Political Theory | Addresses normative questions and historical political thought. |
These disciplines align with the journal's mission to promote cross-national and cross-regional insights, making it a hub for multifaceted Political Science inquiry.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 2.3 | Clarivate JCR 2022 |
| CiteScore | 4.5 | Scopus 2022 |
| h-Index | 85 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed | N/A |
These metrics highlight World Politics' influence, with steady growth in citations reflecting its relevance in Political Science.
Indexing and Abstracting
World Politics is indexed in major databases, ensuring wide accessibility. It appears in Scopus, Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), and International Bibliography of the Social Sciences. Abstracting services include PAIS International and Worldwide Political Science Abstracts. This coverage enhances discoverability for researchers worldwide, supporting its status in academic evaluations.
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Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, World Politics operates on a subscription model with open access options via Cambridge Open. Authors can publish traditionally or pay an Article Processing Charge (APC) of approximately $3,500 for immediate open access. No fees apply for standard subscription-based publication, aligning with its commitment to equitable access in Political Science.
Sherpa/RoMEO classifies it as green for self-archiving, allowing preprint deposits. This model balances prestige with broader dissemination.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions to World Politics are handled through the ScholarOne platform at Cambridge's site. Authors must prepare manuscripts in double-spaced format, up to 10,000 words, with abstracts and keywords. The process involves initial editorial review followed by double-blind peer review, typically taking 3-6 months. Guidelines emphasize originality, clarity, and contribution to the field.
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Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board features distinguished scholars from top institutions. Editor-in-Chief Deborah J. Yashar from Princeton oversees operations, supported by associates like Atul Kohli and Nancy Bermeo. Their expertise in comparative and international politics ensures balanced, high-quality decisions. Board members hail from Harvard, Stanford, and Oxford, reflecting global perspectives.
Why Publish in World Politics?
Publishing in World Politics elevates a researcher's profile due to its rigorous peer review and wide readership. It offers opportunities for citation in policy circles and academia, aiding career advancement. The journal's focus on timely topics ensures relevance, while its prestige signals excellence to hiring committees. For Political Science scholars, it represents a gateway to influential debates.
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Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Scope Focus | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Politics | 2.3 | International & Comparative | Cambridge UP |
| International Organization | 4.8 | Global Institutions | Cambridge UP |
| Comparative Politics | 1.9 | Domestic Systems | PhD Program, CUNY |
| International Security | 3.2 | Security Studies | MIT Press |
This comparison shows World Politics' strong position in breadth and impact within Political Science.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
- Align your work with current calls, such as those on global inequality.
- Ensure robust methodology and engagement with existing literature.
- Seek feedback from colleagues before submitting.
- Follow formatting precisely to avoid desk rejection.
- Highlight policy implications for broader appeal.
For submission success stories, explore PhD in political science programs. Additional links: faculty development, research grants, international relations jobs, comparative politics resources, policy analysis careers, academic publishing guide.