Last Issue

Vol.2 N°4 - November 2008

- The Realist Gambit: Postwar American Political Science and the Birth of IR Theory, by Nicolas Guilhot, Social Science Research Council / NewYork University
Abstract

- Global Order, US Hegemony and Military Integration: The Canadian-American Defense Relationship, by Bruno Charbonneau, Laurentian University & Wayne S. Cox, Queen’s University
Abstract

- Borders, Territory, Law, by Nick Vaughan-Williams, University of Exeter
Abstract

- Security, Law, Borders: Spaces of Exclusion,  by Tugba Basaran, University of Cambridge
Abstract

- Ambiguity, Uncertainty, and Risk: Rethinking Indeterminacy, by Jacqueline Best, University of Ottawa
Abstract

- Globalizing Pathologies: Mental Health Assemblage and Spreading Diagnoses of Eating Disorders, by Kristin Edquist, Eastern Washington University
Abstract

 

IPS : International Political Sociology has been added to the group of International Studies Association journals published by Blackwell since January 2007. Responding to the diversification of both scholarly interests and regional concerns in contemporary international studies, it will especially draw on traditions of historical, legal, economic and political sociology, as well as on the burgeoning literatures on socio-political theory. Recognizing that so many of the primary forms of scholarship informing contemporary international studies have built upon narrowly Anglo-American forms of social science in general and the discipline of political science in particular, it especially seeks to address the kind of sociological analysis that has characterized thinking about international studies in so many other parts of the world.

Even though its traditions are just as distinctive and diversified as those of international political economy, sociology as so far had relatively little impact on international studies. Similarly, even though some of the most influential debates about the future of international studies have drawn on canonical traditions of sociopolitical theory, these traditions have received very little informed analysis in international studies. In the first instance, therefore, the journal will seek to create a bridge between political sociologists, international relations specialists and sociopolitical theorists. In its initial phase, it will especially seek to invigorate ties between European and North American researchers. In seeking to enable a more serious debate between academics on both sides of the Atlantic in political sociology and international relations, the journal aims to encourage theoretical innovation and open new routes for empirical research, thereby bringing together the very different interdisciplinary cultures that have developed in each setting. It is especially worth noting in this context the role this journal might play in overcoming many of the delays in the circulation of ideas that have done so much to distort relations between intellectual communities in Europe and North America over the past generation. This might in turn help dispel some of the misunderstanding that has so often led to unproductive accounts of “mainstream” and “marginal” research traditions in international studies.
In many respects, however, the most exciting possibilities opened by this journal might well arise from beyond the usual circuits of European and North American scholarship. All forms of international studies still face many difficulties responding to the concerns arising from so many other regions, and we are under no illusions about the hurdles involved in this respect. We do, however, believe that the broadening of the intellectual agenda signalled by the substantive interests of the journal will have positive effects in overcoming some of the parochialism of the existing literature.

In order to help broaden the community engaging in international studies, the journal facilitates the submission of articles in languages other than English. The possibilities currently under consideration are French, Spanish, Italian and German; a limited range perhaps, but sufficiently challenging in practical terms, and one that might be expanded over the longer term. Although many academics are able to write in English, this is often a slow and laborious process. Even outstanding thinkers are put off submitting journal articles in a foreign language when this precedes the decision of whether to publish or not. Consequently, articles will be initially reviewed in the language in which they are written. Only once a positive decision to publish has been taken will authors be requested to translate the article, or to arrange for its translation into English.

Primary responsibility for setting up the operating principles and procedures for the journal will rest initially with Didier Bigo (with the institutional support of Sciences-Po in Paris) and R.B.J. Walker (of the University of Victoria in Canada). Bigo will take overall responsibility for the coordination of the editorial process in Paris and serve as the central point of contact with both the publisher, the Association and the authors for publication decisions. Walker will take a central role in shaping the strategic direction of the journal, publication decisions, and the regional diversification of the journal.
These two editors will be complemented by eight Associate Editors, many of whom will be expected to respond to work coming from different language communities. One will also take responsibility for a review-essay section. In addition, there will be an Editorial Board of internationally recognized academics from across the spectrum of disciplines: international relations, sociology, political science, sociopolitical theory, law and anthropology.

Download

- IPS: International Political Sociology
- Call for papers
- Editor, Executive Committee, and Editorial Board