Annual Review of Political Science

The Annual Review of Political Science, published by Annual Reviews, is a premier, non-open access journal that provides authoritative and critical reviews of the most significant theoretical and empirical developments in the field of political science. With an ISSN of 1094-2939 and an impact factor of 8.600 as of 2026, it is ranked in the top quartile (Q1) of the JCR Political Science category, underscoring its elite standing among the discipline’s leading publications. Unlike traditional research journals that publish original empirical studies, this journal exclusively features comprehensive review articles. These syntheses are commissioned from leading scholars and are designed to evaluate the current state of knowledge on key topics, identify emerging trends, and outline future research agendas. The scope of the journal is broad but rigorous, encompassing all major subfields of political science, including comparative politics, international relations, political theory, American politics, political methodology, and public policy. Its target audience includes academic researchers, graduate students, and advanced undergraduates seeking a deep, curated understanding of a particular subject area without having to navigate the primary literature in its entirety. A distinctive feature of the Annual Review of Political Science is its annual publication cycle, which ensures that each volume offers a timely and focused collection of in-depth essays. The journal’s consistently high impact factor and Q1 ranking reflect its indispensable role as a key resource for scholars aiming to stay current with the evolving landscape of political science research, making it a cornerstone reference in academic libraries and political science departments worldwide.