What the study found
The study found that African and Africa-based scholars are systematically underrepresented in the top 20 political science journals and among the most influential authors today. It also found that their influence rose between 2000 and 2010 but has declined substantially since then.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that their findings point to the need for greater inclusivity and pluralism in political science. They say the study has broader implications for the discipline.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used a citation network approach to study how the subfield of African politics has changed since the late 1950s. They focused on the influence of African and Africa-based scholars in the top 20 political science journals.
What worked and what didn't
According to the abstract, African and Africa-based scholars started from a low base and gained influence from 2000 to 2010. After that, their influence fell substantially. The article identifies two factors associated with this decline: increasing competition in top-tier political science journals, which increasingly favor certain quantitative methods requiring substantial financial resources and training, and rising citation rates for non-African and non-Africa-based scholars in leading journals.
What to keep in mind
The summary provides the study's main findings and the factors the authors associate with the decline, but it does not describe specific data details or the size of the citation network. Limitations are not described in the available abstract.
Key points
- African and Africa-based scholars are systematically underrepresented in the top 20 political science journals.
- Their influence increased between 2000 and 2010, then declined substantially after that.
- Top-tier political science journals are described as increasingly favoring certain quantitative methods.
- The authors associate the decline with rising citation rates of non-African and non-Africa-based scholars.
- The article concludes by recommending greater inclusivity and pluralism in political science.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- African scholars remain underrepresented in top political science journals
- Authors:
- Zack Zimbalist, Elisa Omodei
- Institutions:
- Central European University, Vienna University of Economics and Business
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-08
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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