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— CH. 1 · FOUNDING AND ESTABLISHMENT —

The International History Review

~2 min read · Ch. 1 of 5
5 sections
  • The year 1978 marked the birth of a new academic voice in international relations. Edward Ingram, Gordon Martel, and Ian Muggridge joined forces to launch The International History Review. These three scholars sought to create a dedicated space for historical analysis of global interactions. Their goal was to move beyond simple diplomatic chronicles toward deeper intellectual inquiry. The journal emerged during a period when historians were increasingly interested in how nations thought about one another. This founding moment established a platform that would endure for decades.

  • Alan Dobson now serves as editor-in-chief at Swansea University. He leads a publication that has seen multiple leadership changes since its inception. Each editor brought distinct perspectives to the role over the years following 1978. The continuity of the journal depends on these successive appointments guiding its direction. No single editor has held the position for more than a few years typically. This rotation ensures fresh scholarly input while maintaining core standards of peer review.

  • Scholars use this journal to explore the history of international relations across centuries. It also examines the history of international thought with equal rigor. Researchers submit papers analyzing treaties, conflicts, and diplomatic theories from various eras. The scope extends beyond state actors to include non-state influences on global affairs. Writers must demonstrate clear connections between past events and modern understanding. This dual focus distinguishes it from journals covering only political science or pure diplomacy.

  • Routledge publishes the journal under an agreement with its editorial team. Every submitted manuscript undergoes a strict peer-review process before acceptance. Reviewers evaluate submissions based on originality, methodological soundness, and historical accuracy. The publisher handles printing, digital distribution, and marketing to academic libraries worldwide. Authors receive feedback from anonymous experts who specialize in their specific field. This rigorous gatekeeping maintains high standards despite the vast number of daily submissions.

  • Researchers locate articles through major academic databases that abstract and index the content. These platforms make the journal discoverable for students and faculty globally. Without these indexing services, many scholars would never encounter the work. The journal appears in standard reference lists used by history departments everywhere. Access often requires institutional subscriptions due to the cost of maintaining such archives. Digital formats allow instant retrieval of decades-old issues from any connected computer.

Common questions

Who founded The International History Review in 1978?

Edward Ingram, Gordon Martel, and Ian Muggridge founded The International History Review in 1978. These three scholars joined forces to launch the publication as a new academic voice in international relations.

Where does Alan Dobson serve as editor-in-chief of The International History Review?

Alan Dobson serves as editor-in-chief at Swansea University. He leads a publication that has seen multiple leadership changes since its inception in 1978.

What is the scope of research covered by The International History Review?

The International History Review covers the history of international relations across centuries and examines the history of international thought with equal rigor. It extends beyond state actors to include non-state influences on global affairs while analyzing treaties, conflicts, and diplomatic theories from various eras.

Which publisher produces The International History Review under agreement with editors?

Routledge publishes The International History Review under an agreement with its editorial team. The publisher handles printing, digital distribution, and marketing to academic libraries worldwide.

How do researchers access articles from The International History Review online?

Researchers locate articles through major academic databases that abstract and index the content for global discovery. Digital formats allow instant retrieval of decades-old issues from any connected computer requiring institutional subscriptions due to archive costs.