Parameters (journal)
The year 1971 marked the birth of Parameters, a quarterly academic journal published by the United States Army War College Press. This publication emerged to address strategic needs within the U.S. military establishment during a turbulent era. It quickly became known as the US Army's senior professional journal for its field. The name itself signaled a focus on boundaries and limits in warfare and policy. Early issues laid the groundwork for decades of scholarly debate on national security. The journal did not start with a massive budget or global fame. It began as a modest effort to organize academic work on strategy and landpower. By the early 1980s, it had established a reputation among military professionals and scholars. Its evolution from a simple newsletter into a respected quarterly was gradual but steady.
Since 1971, the journal has consistently published content centered on geostrategic issues and national security. Each issue examines how landpower shapes political outcomes across different regions. Authors explore complex relationships between military capability and diplomatic goals. The editorial team selects topics that reflect current threats and historical lessons. A typical article might analyze a specific conflict or propose new doctrines for future operations. Readers find discussions on how armies interact with civilian populations in war zones. The scope extends beyond tactical maneuvers to include long-term geopolitical strategies. This focus ensures relevance for both serving officers and retired strategists. The journal avoids purely technical manuals in favor of broader strategic analysis. Such choices keep the publication vital for decision-makers at all levels.
Antulio J. Echevarria II serves as Editor-in-Chief of Parameters today. His leadership guides the selection of articles and sets the tone for each quarter's release. Under his direction, the journal maintains high academic standards while remaining accessible to practitioners. He oversees the peer review process that validates every submission before publication. Critics note his ability to balance theoretical depth with practical application. Echevarria often writes introductions that frame the month's key debates for readers. His tenure reflects a commitment to preserving the journal's legacy while adapting to modern challenges. The editorial board works closely with him to ensure diverse perspectives appear in print. This collaborative approach strengthens the credibility of the final product among peers.
Over five decades, Parameters has published 1049 distinct articles covering military strategy and history. These numbers reflect a steady output despite changes in global politics and technology. Distribution channels expanded significantly when ProQuest and UMI began hosting the content online. Libraries worldwide subscribe to these databases to access back issues and current editions. The physical copies remain available through the United States Army War College Press office. Academic institutions rely on this volume for research into American military doctrine. The sheer number of publications demonstrates the journal's endurance and utility. Each issue adds to a growing archive of strategic thought from the late twentieth century onward. Scholars cite these works frequently when analyzing past conflicts or planning future operations.
The full digital archive now resides on the United States Army War College Press website. Researchers can browse thousands of pages without needing physical library visits. This shift to online availability increased accessibility for students and independent analysts globally. Users search specific terms across decades of content to find relevant case studies. The transition preserved older texts that might otherwise have been lost to time. Digital formats allow for keyword searches that were impossible with paper only. The website serves as a central hub for all official communications regarding the journal. Access remains free for many users while some features require institutional login credentials. This move ensured that historical records stay available for future generations of strategists.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
When was the journal Parameters founded?
The year 1971 marked the birth of Parameters, a quarterly academic journal published by the United States Army War College Press. This publication emerged to address strategic needs within the U.S. military establishment during a turbulent era.
Who is the current Editor-in-Chief of Parameters?
Antulio J. Echevarria II serves as Editor-in-Chief of Parameters today. His leadership guides the selection of articles and sets the tone for each quarter's release while overseeing the peer review process that validates every submission before publication.
How many distinct articles has Parameters published over five decades?
Over five decades, Parameters has published 1049 distinct articles covering military strategy and history. These numbers reflect a steady output despite changes in global politics and technology.
Where can researchers access the full digital archive of Parameters?
The full digital archive now resides on the United States Army War College Press website. Researchers can browse thousands of pages without needing physical library visits through this online availability.
What type of content does the journal Parameters focus on publishing?
Since 1971, the journal has consistently published content centered on geostrategic issues and national security. Each issue examines how landpower shapes political outcomes across different regions.