Journal Name: American Political Science Review
Journal Type: Q1
ISSN: 00030554, 15375943
Country: United Kingdom
Subject Area and Category: Social Sciences Political Science and International Relations Sociology and Political Science
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Research Ranking: 14
Publication Type: Journals
H-Index: 215
Coverage: 1906-2025
Editors-in-Chief: John Gerring and Monika Nalepa
Research Impact Score: 3.5
Impact Factor: 5.9
SCIMAGO SJR: 5.532
APC Cost: $3,550
Contact Email: apsr@mail.uni-mannheim.de
Address: 1527 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036-1203.
Overview
The American Political Science Review (APSR) stands as one of the most prestigious and widely respected peer-reviewed academic journals in the field of political science. Established in 1906 and published quarterly by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the American Political Science Association (APSA), the APSR has played a central role in shaping political science scholarship and discourse across the globe. With a rich history and a strong reputation for academic excellence, the journal continues to attract cutting-edge research, making it an essential resource for scholars, students, and practitioners.
What is the American Political Science Review?
The APSR is a leading scholarly journal that publishes original research articles covering all areas of political science. These include American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public administration, public policy, and methodology. The journal’s interdisciplinary approach and commitment to theoretical and methodological pluralism make it a cornerstone for those interested in rigorous political analysis and contemporary political issues.
High-Impact and Globally Recognized
Consistently ranked among the top political science journals by impact factor, the APSR is known for its influence within academia and beyond. The articles featured in the journal are frequently cited in books, policy reports, and academic papers, reflecting the journal’s role in driving debates and shaping political understanding worldwide.
The APSR also emphasizes international diversity, both in terms of authorship and subject matter. Scholars from around the world contribute to the journal, ensuring that it represents a wide array of perspectives, case studies, and political contexts. This global scope enhances its relevance in an increasingly interconnected world.
Rigorous Peer-Review Process
One of the hallmarks of the APSR is its stringent peer-review process. Manuscripts undergo a double-blind review, ensuring that submissions are evaluated solely on scholarly merit. The editorial team, composed of leading political scientists, ensures that each article meets the highest standards of academic integrity, innovation, and analytical clarity.
Why the APSR Matters
For researchers and academics, publishing in the American Political Science Review is a significant achievement that reflects the quality and impact of their work. For readers, it offers access to some of the most advanced and thought-provoking political science research available today.
Moreover, the APSR plays a vital role in shaping curriculum, informing public debates, and guiding policymakers. It is not just a journal for academics—it is a touchstone for anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of power, governance, and political behavior in the modern world.
About
The American Political Science Review (APSR) is the flagship journal of the American Political Science Association (APSA) and is widely recognized as the most prestigious publication in the field of political science. Since its establishment in 1906, the APSR has been a leading platform for scholarly research, critical debate, and academic discourse on global political issues. With its high impact factor and rigorous peer-review process, the APSR continues to set the standard for political science scholarship.
What is the American Political Science Review?
The American Political Science Review is a quarterly, peer-reviewed academic journal that publishes original research in all areas of political science. This includes subfields such as:
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American government and politics
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Comparative politics
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International relations
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Political theory
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Public policy and administration
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Political methodology
As a multidisciplinary journal, the APSR encourages diverse theoretical and methodological approaches, making it an inclusive and authoritative resource for political scientists, researchers, and policy analysts worldwide.
High Impact and Global Recognition
The APSR is consistently ranked as one of the top journals in political science based on citation metrics and academic reputation. Its articles are frequently referenced in scholarly publications, policy papers, and academic coursework. The journal’s commitment to publishing innovative and impactful research contributes to its reputation as a leader in the political science community.
Moreover, the American Political Science Review features contributions from scholars around the globe, making it a truly international publication. This global perspective enhances the journal’s relevance and ensures that it addresses a wide range of political systems, ideologies, and governance structures.
Rigorous Peer-Review and Editorial Standards
One of the defining characteristics of the APSR is its rigorous double-blind peer-review process. Every submission is evaluated by multiple experts to ensure it meets the highest standards of academic quality, originality, and analytical depth. The editorial team consists of respected scholars with deep expertise in various areas of political science, further reinforcing the journal’s academic credibility.
Why the APSR Matters
Publishing in the American Political Science Review is a significant achievement for any political scientist. It reflects a high level of scholarly impact and recognition. For readers, the journal offers access to some of the most important and timely research in the field, often influencing public debates, legislative decisions, and academic curricula.
Educators, students, and researchers alike rely on the APSR for in-depth analyses, theoretical advancements, and empirical findings on pressing political issues. From democracy and elections to global conflict and political ideologies, the APSR covers topics that shape the world we live in.
Scope
The American Political Science Review (APSR) is the flagship journal of the American Political Science Association (APSA) and is widely regarded as the leading publication in the discipline of political science. One of the key reasons for its global reputation and academic influence is the broad and inclusive scope of the journal. Since its inception in 1906, the APSR has continually evolved to reflect the dynamic and diverse nature of political science research. This article explores the scope of the American Political Science Review and how it supports scholarly advancement across a wide range of political topics.
Comprehensive Coverage Across Political Science Subfields
The scope of the APSR encompasses all major subfields of political science. This includes:
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American Politics: Research on U.S. political institutions, electoral systems, political behavior, public opinion, and domestic policy.
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Comparative Politics: Studies that compare political systems, governance models, and policy outcomes across different countries.
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International Relations: Analyses of global political dynamics, international organizations, diplomacy, conflict, and cooperation between states.
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Political Theory: Explorations of normative political ideas, ideologies, democratic theory, justice, and philosophical foundations of politics.
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Public Policy and Administration: Research related to policy processes, government performance, public service delivery, and bureaucratic institutions.
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Political Methodology: Articles focused on the development and application of quantitative and qualitative methods in political science research.
By covering these core areas, the APSR ensures that it remains an inclusive platform for all branches of the discipline, offering insights that are both deep and wide-ranging.
Interdisciplinary and Global Perspectives
Another defining feature of the American Political Science Review is its openness to interdisciplinary research. The journal often features studies that intersect with fields such as sociology, economics, history, law, psychology, and public health. This interdisciplinary approach broadens the journal’s scope and allows for more robust and contextually rich analyses of political phenomena.
Furthermore, the APSR values global perspectives, encouraging submissions from scholars around the world. Its scope includes research focused on diverse regions and political systems, from democracies and authoritarian regimes to emerging political movements and institutions in the Global South.
Theoretical and Methodological Diversity
The APSR is committed to theoretical and methodological pluralism. Its scope includes:
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Empirical research using statistical, experimental, or case study methods.
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Formal modeling and game theory.
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Normative and philosophical arguments.
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Critical and interpretive approaches.
This methodological diversity enhances the journal's ability to capture the complexity of political behavior, institutions, and ideologies.