Focus and Scope

The Focus and Scope of Smart: Journal of Statecraft, Politics, and Geopolitics (SPolitics) is designed to provide a comprehensive academic venue for the intersection of governance, power dynamics, and spatial politics. The journal seeks to bridge localized Indonesian political nuances with broader global trends, fostering a dialogue that is both theoretically rigorous and practically relevant.

Focus and Scope

Smart: Journal of Statecraft, Politics, and Geopolitics (SPolitics) publishes original, peer-reviewed research that advances the understanding of how states navigate the complexities of the 21st century. The journal’s scope is organized into three primary thematic pillars:

1. Statecraft and Governance

This area focuses on the "art of the state" how governments exercise authority, manage public institutions, and implement strategic policies.

  • Institutional Reform: Analysis of bureaucratic efficiency, decentralization, and legal frameworks within Indonesia and developing democracies.

  • Diplomatic Strategy: Studies on modern diplomacy, negotiation, and foreign policy formulation.

  • Digital Statecraft: The impact of technology on governance, including "smart" government initiatives and digital sovereignty.

2. Political Systems and Dynamics

The journal welcomes comparative and theoretical research on political structures and societal movements.

  • Indonesian Politics: In-depth studies on Indonesian democratic transitions, electoral integrity, legislative processes, and local governance.

  • Comparative Politics: Cross-national analyses of political regimes, party systems, and civil-military relations.

  • Political Economy: The nexus between political decisions and economic outcomes, focusing on sustainable development and resource management.

3. Geopolitics and Global Security

This pillar examines the influence of geography on international relations and the shifting balance of global power.

  • Indo-Pacific Dynamics: Strategic competition in Southeast Asia, ASEAN centrality, and maritime security in the South China Sea.

  • Resource Geopolitics: The political implications of energy transitions, food security, and critical mineral supply chains (e.g., Nickel politics in Indonesia).

  • Global Power Shifts: The evolving roles of major powers (US, China, EU, Russia) and the emergence of the "Global South" in international architecture.

Geographic and Methodological Reach

While the journal maintains a significant focus on Indonesia’s strategic position within Southeast Asia and the Islamic world, its scope is inherently global. We encourage submissions that:

  • Apply global theories to Indonesian case studies to provide unique regional insights.

  • Utilize diverse methodologies, including qualitative case studies, quantitative data analysis, and normative political theory.

  • Offer interdisciplinary perspectives that link law, history, and economics to political science.

Publication Frequency: Triannually (January, May, and September).

Target Audience: Academics, policy analysts, diplomats, and practitioners in the fields of political science and international relations.