About the Journal

1. Journal Description

Archipelago: Journal of Social and Humanities is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary scholarship within the vast and intricate tapestry of island and coastal societies. The journal provides a premier platform for rigorous academic inquiry that critically examines the social structures, cultural expressions, historical narratives, and contemporary challenges of archipelago nations and maritime communities worldwide. We are committed to publishing high-quality, original research that employs diverse theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches, fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness and unique dynamics that define life within and between islands. By bridging local knowledge with global discourses, Archipelago serves as a vital conduit for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to engage with the complex realities and prospects of these distinct socio-cultural environments.

2. Focus and Scope

The focus and scope of Archipelago: Journal of Social and Humanities are intentionally broad and interdisciplinary, welcoming contributions that explore the human dimensions of archipelagos and maritime contexts. We invite submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

  • Anthropology & Sociology: Kinship systems, social organization, community resilience, migration and diaspora studies, identity formation, ethnic relations, and social change in island settings.

  • History & Archaeology: Maritime history, trade routes, colonial and post-colonial studies, oral histories, cultural heritage preservation, and the archaeological investigation of island civilizations.

  • Linguistics & Literature: Studies on indigenous languages, language contact and change, oral traditions, folklore, and the literary representations of island life and seascapes.

  • Political Science & International Relations: Governance of maritime territories, border disputes, regional cooperation (e.g., ASEAN, Pacific Islands Forum), political ecology, and the geopolitics of archipelagic states.

  • Cultural Studies & Arts: Expressions of culture through music, dance, visual arts, film, and theatre; the impact of globalization on local cultures; and popular culture in island societies.

  • Human Geography & Environmental Humanities: Human-environment interactions, maritime resource management, perceptions of space and place, disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation and vulnerability.

  • Economics & Development Studies: Sustainable tourism, blue economy, maritime livelihoods, remittance economies, and critical analyses of development models in isolated communities.

  • Philosophy & Religious Studies: Indigenous knowledge systems, worldviews, ethical frameworks, and religious practices unique to or influential within archipelago cultures.

3. About the Journal

Aims: Archipelago: Journal of Social and Humanities aims to:

  • Promote cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research in the social sciences and humanities with a specific focus on islands and archipelagos.

  • Disseminate scholarly work that challenges conventional paradigms and offers novel insights into the complexities of maritime societies.

  • Facilitate academic dialogue and knowledge exchange between researchers from the Global South and North, ensuring diverse perspectives are represented.

  • Support early-career researchers and established scholars by providing a fair, rigorous, and constructive peer-review process.

  • Make research freely accessible to a global audience to maximize its reach, impact, and practical application.

Publication Frequency: The journal publishes two issues per year (a semi-annual schedule), with additional special issues dedicated to specific themes.

Open Access Policy: Archipelago is a diamond/platinum open-access journal. There are no article processing charges (APCs) or submission fees for authors. All content is immediately available upon publication under a Creative Commons Attribution license (CC-BY), allowing users to share and adapt the material provided that appropriate credit is given.

Peer Review Process: All manuscripts submitted to Archipelago undergo a double-blind peer review process. This involves initial screening by the editorial board for suitability and adherence to scope, followed by review by at least two independent, anonymous experts in the field. This process ensures the integrity, originality, and scholarly significance of all published research.

Indexing and Archiving: The journal is committed to seeking indexing in major international databases (e.g., Scopus, DOAJ, EBSCO, Crossref) and ensures long-term digital preservation through accredited archiving services.