Third World Quarterly
Third World Quarterly began its life as a peer-reviewed academic journal managed by Global South Ltd. Taylor & Francis handles the actual publication of each issue. The title suggests four issues per year, yet the reality is monthly publication throughout the calendar. Shahid Qadir serves as both founding editor and chair of the editorial board. He also holds one of two director positions at Global South Ltd. In 2021, the journal carried an impact factor of 2.225.
Shahid Qadir leads the journal from his dual role as founding editor and board chair. His position gives him significant influence over the direction of the publication. The international editorial board consists of thirty-four members in total. These individuals represent diverse backgrounds across the globe. Their collective expertise shapes the scope of topics covered in each monthly edition. The structure places heavy responsibility on the editor-in-chief to maintain standards.
September 2017 marked a turning point when Third World Quarterly published Bruce Gilley's article titled The Case for Colonialism. Political scientist Gilley argued that colonialism had positive outcomes in certain contexts. Portia Roelofs and Max Gallien from the London School of Economics condemned the piece. They called it a travesty and compared it to clickbait with footnotes. Oxford theologian Nigel Biggar faced backlash after publicly defending Gilley's work. The academic community reacted with immediate shock and anger.
On the 19th of September 2017, fifteen members of the international editorial board resigned. This represented nearly half of the entire thirty-four member board. The resigners cited a flawed peer review process regarding the colonialism submission. They also pointed to inaccurate statements made by Shahid Qadir during the dispute. A petition hosted on Change.org gathered more than 10,000 supporters calling for retraction. The mass exodus signaled deep fractures within the journal's leadership structure.
Noam Chomsky stood apart from the majority of critics who demanded the article be removed. He argued that rebuttal offers a great opportunity for education rather than censorship. His stance highlighted a divide between those seeking immediate correction and those valuing open debate. While many scholars viewed the publication as harmful, others saw it as a chance to engage ideas directly. The situation forced academics to confront how journals handle controversial arguments in public forums.
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Common questions
Who manages the Third World Quarterly journal?
Global South Ltd manages the Third World Quarterly as a peer-reviewed academic journal. Taylor & Francis handles the actual publication of each issue.
When did fifteen members resign from the Third World Quarterly editorial board?
Fifteen members of the international editorial board resigned on the 19th of September 2017. This resignation represented nearly half of the entire thirty-four member board.
What was the impact factor of the Third World Quarterly in 2021?
The journal carried an impact factor of 2.225 in 2021. Shahid Qadir serves as both founding editor and chair of the editorial board.
Which article caused controversy within the Third World Quarterly in 2017?
Third World Quarterly published Bruce Gilley's article titled The Case for Colonialism in September 2017. Political scientist Gilley argued that colonialism had positive outcomes in certain contexts.
How many people supported the petition to retract the controversial Third World Quarterly article?
A petition hosted on Change.org gathered more than 10,000 supporters calling for retraction. The mass exodus signaled deep fractures within the journal's leadership structure.