How to Publish in Top IR Journals: Insights from a BJPIR Editor — Jack Holland

07. 4. 2026

Today, we are hosting an episode that provides an opportunity to present a research journal together with its editor. The aim is not only to introduce the journal, but also to offer a critical assessment of suitable venues for publishing research articles. In this context, we turn our attention to the British Journal of Politics and International Relations (BJPIR).

Impact Factor: 3.4 / 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.4
Indexed: Scopus / Web of Science
First Decision: 6 days
Acceptance Rate: 18.7%

14th out of 169 journals in the field of International Relations and 36th out of 322 in Political Science
(Source)

The journal is a leading peer-reviewed academic journal in the fields of political science and international relations. Established in 1999 and published by SAGE Publications on behalf of the Political Studies Association, it has developed a strong international reputation for high-quality scholarship.

Jack Holland

The journal has six editors, all of whom are based at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. Today, we are speaking with one of them, Professor of Global Security Challenges at the University of Leeds, Jack Holland.

Jack Holland also serves as Pro-Dean for Research and Innovation in the Faculty of Social Sciences. His research focuses on United States, United Kingdom, and Australian foreign and security policy. He is an expert on AUKUS, for example, he has been invited as a witness to the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee, and he regularly provides media commentary for British and international news organisations.

Content

00:00 - Introduction
02:24 - The Journal’s Intellectual DNA
04:05 - Political Science vs International Relations: Balance in Published Research
05:24 - From Political Studies Association Flagship to Global Journal: Institutional Influence
08:31 - Political Studies Association
09:47 - Editorial Limits: Is There a Maximum Number of Articles per Issue?
11:36 - Maintaining Coherence in a Broad-Scope Journal
12:48 - Editorial Board: Selection, Roles, and Responsibilities
16:25 - University of Leeds: The Journal’s Institutional Connection
18:08 - Methodological Pluralism: Supporting Underrepresented Scholars
21:04 - Current Intellectual Trends in Submissions
22:53 - Undersubmitted Topics: Areas the Journal Wants More Of
24:13 - AI, Frameworks, and Consulting: Reality Behind Publishing Claims
26:15 - Common Author Mistakes in Journal Submissions
31:00 - Encouraging Junior Scholars to Submit
33:51 - Global South Scholars and Barriers
36:13 - Editorial Lessons: Decisions Seen Differently Today
38:22 - Suggesting Reviewers: Should Authors Do It?
39:39 - Future Vision for the Journal