Journal Name: American Journal of Political Science
Journal Type: Q1
ISSN: 00925853, 15405907
Country: United Kingdom
Subject Area and Category: Social Sciences Political Science and International Relations Sociology and Political Science
Publisher:
Research Ranking: 4
Publication Type: Journals
H-Index: 215
Coverage: 1982, 1986, 1996-2025
Editors-in-Chief: Adam Berinsky and Jennifer Lawless
Research Impact Score: 4.5
Impact Factor: 5
SCIMAGO SJR: 6.280
APC Cost: $3900 USD / £2600 GBP / €3270 EUR.
Submission Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/15405907
Contact Email: ajps@ajps.org
Address: 1540 Jefferson Park Avenue, S183 Gibson Hall, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
Overview
Exploring the American Journal of Political Science: A Premier Source for Political Research
The American Journal of Political Science (AJPS) stands as one of the most prestigious and widely respected peer-reviewed academic journals in the field of political science. Published quarterly by the Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA), AJPS has earned a strong reputation for advancing the understanding of politics through high-quality research and rigorous scholarly standards. For students, academics, and policymakers, the journal is an essential resource for cutting-edge political science insights and empirical analysis.
A Leading Journal in Political Science
Since its inception in 1957, the American Journal of Political Science has been dedicated to publishing original research that contributes to the theoretical and empirical understanding of political processes, institutions, behavior, and public policy. The journal covers a broad range of topics including American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and political methodology. AJPS consistently ranks among the top political science journals in terms of impact factor and citation metrics, underscoring its influence in the field.
Commitment to Excellence and Innovation
The editorial team at AJPS maintains a rigorous peer-review process that ensures only high-quality and innovative research is published. The journal prioritizes articles that make a significant contribution to the discipline, often by introducing new theoretical frameworks, applying novel methodologies, or providing fresh empirical insights. It embraces methodological diversity, welcoming both qualitative and quantitative approaches, and is especially known for promoting transparency and replicability in research.
Relevance Across Academia and Policy
One of the hallmarks of AJPS is its relevance not only to scholars but also to practitioners and policymakers. Many articles published in the journal have practical implications for real-world governance, electoral behavior, international diplomacy, and public administration. The interdisciplinary nature of the journal attracts contributions and readership from economics, sociology, law, and public policy, enhancing its reach and real-world impact.
Accessibility and Digital Presence
AJPS is available online through platforms such as Wiley Online Library, providing digital access to its vast archive of articles. Subscribers and institutional users can explore decades of political science research, while individual articles can often be accessed through university libraries or research databases. The journal’s website also offers resources for authors, reviewers, and readers, including submission guidelines, editorial policies, and the latest issue highlights.
Why AJPS Matters
In an era of rapid political change and increasing public interest in governance, understanding the dynamics of political systems is more important than ever. The American Journal of Political Science plays a vital role in shaping that understanding. Whether you are a graduate student beginning your academic journey, a researcher seeking the latest developments in the field, or a policymaker looking for evidence-based insights, AJPS provides the authoritative research and analysis needed to inform theory and practice alike.
About
About the American Journal of Political Science (AJPS)
The American Journal of Political Science (AJPS) is one of the most respected and widely read scholarly journals in the field of political science. Published quarterly by the Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA), AJPS serves as a leading platform for cutting-edge research, theoretical advancements, and empirical studies across the full spectrum of political science.
Founded in 1957 as the Midwest Journal of Political Science, the journal adopted its current name in 1973 to reflect its growing national and international impact. Today, AJPS is recognized globally for publishing peer-reviewed research that advances our understanding of political institutions, behavior, public policy, political theory, and international relations.
Reputation and Academic Impact
The American Journal of Political Science consistently ranks among the top journals in political science based on impact factor, citation metrics, and academic influence. Its rigorous peer-review process ensures high-quality scholarship, making it a preferred publication outlet for researchers, educators, and policy analysts.
With its broad scope, AJPS attracts submissions from scholars around the world. The journal emphasizes methodological diversity, encouraging a wide range of approaches including qualitative, quantitative, formal, and mixed-method research. This inclusive philosophy has helped AJPS remain at the forefront of political science scholarship.
Areas of Focus
AJPS publishes original research articles that cover all major subfields of political science, including:
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American Politics: Studies related to U.S. political institutions, behavior, public opinion, and electoral processes.
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Comparative Politics: Research on political systems, governance, and political dynamics in countries around the world.
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International Relations: Analyses of global politics, foreign policy, security studies, and international cooperation.
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Political Theory: Explorations of political ideas, ideologies, and normative theories.
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Public Policy and Administration: Investigations into policy-making processes, governance structures, and administrative behavior.
The journal also publishes interdisciplinary research that bridges political science with economics, sociology, psychology, and other social sciences.
Accessibility and Submission
The American Journal of Political Science is available both in print and online, offering subscription access to institutions and individuals. Researchers interested in submitting their work to AJPS must adhere to the journal’s detailed submission guidelines, which emphasize transparency, replicability, and ethical research standards.
AJPS also supports data transparency by requiring authors to share replication data, making it easier for others to verify and build on published research. This commitment to open science has contributed to its reputation as a trustworthy and forward-thinking academic journal.
Scope
Scope of the American Journal of Political Science (AJPS)
The American Journal of Political Science (AJPS) is a premier peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to the advancement of scholarly research in political science. Published quarterly by the Midwest Political Science Association, AJPS has earned its reputation as one of the most respected and widely cited journals in the field. Its primary mission is to promote high-quality theoretical and empirical research that significantly contributes to the understanding of political processes, institutions, behavior, and policy outcomes.
Broad Disciplinary Scope
The scope of the American Journal of Political Science is intentionally broad, reflecting the diverse and interdisciplinary nature of political science. AJPS welcomes manuscripts from all subfields of political science, including but not limited to:
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American Politics
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Comparative Politics
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International Relations
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Political Theory and Philosophy
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Public Administration and Public Policy
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Political Methodology
This inclusivity ensures that the journal serves as a platform for a wide array of perspectives and methodologies, fostering academic dialogue across different areas of political inquiry.
Emphasis on Methodological Rigor
AJPS places a strong emphasis on methodological rigor and originality. Whether employing qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method approaches, articles published in the journal must demonstrate theoretical sophistication, empirical soundness, and clear relevance to ongoing scholarly debates. The journal actively encourages the use of innovative methods and welcomes replication studies that contribute to transparency and reliability in political science research.
International and Interdisciplinary Relevance
While AJPS is based in the United States, its scope is global. The journal frequently publishes studies focused on political systems, actors, and issues from around the world. It also values interdisciplinary contributions that draw from economics, sociology, psychology, and law, thereby enhancing the theoretical and analytical depth of political science research.
Ideal Audience
The American Journal of Political Science targets an academic and professional audience, including scholars, graduate students, and practitioners with a keen interest in political science research. Its articles are commonly cited by policymakers, media professionals, and educators, making it a valuable resource beyond the confines of academia.
Commitment to Academic Excellence
AJPS maintains a double-blind peer review process, ensuring that each submission is evaluated solely on its scholarly merit. The editorial board comprises leading political scientists who bring a wealth of expertise and uphold the journal’s standards of excellence. As a result, publication in AJPS is a prestigious achievement that enhances the visibility and credibility of scholarly work.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the American Journal of Political Science is an essential outlet for cutting-edge research across all areas of political science. Its wide-ranging scope, methodological rigor, and international reach make it a cornerstone of political science literature. Whether you're a researcher seeking to publish influential work or a reader looking to stay informed on the latest developments in political science, AJPS is an indispensable resource.