Review procedure for manuscripts submitted to Scientific Bulletin (Political Science and Sociology)

  • All manuscripts submitted for publication go through the review process.
  • There are two types of reviewing:
    1. internal (manuscripts are reviewed by members of the Editorial Board);
    2. external (manuscripts are peer-reviewed by leading specialists in a corresponding field of law).
  • The Executive Secretary determines if a manuscript fits the scope of the Journal and checks if it is prepared in accordance with the Journal's style and format requirements. Then the manuscript is peer-reviewed by a researcher with a Ph.D. or a Doctoral degree whose specialization is closest to the issues discussed in a manuscript.
  • The Executive Secretary informs the author that the manuscript has been received within 7 days.
  • Time allocated for the reviewing process is determined by the Executive Secretary specifically for each manuscript to help publish the paper as soon as possible.
  • A review should cover the following:
    1. if the contents of the paper correspond to its title;
    2. if the paper meets modern research standards;
    3. if the paper is understandable to the target audience of the Journal in terms of its language, style, arrangement of material and illustrative value of tables, diagrams, figures, etc.;
    4. if the paper is feasible for publication taking into consideration other books and papers already published on this topic;
    5. what the specific strong and weak points of the paper are and how it should be improved by the author;
    6. the conclusion regarding the possibility of publication should be given: «recommended for publication», «recommended for publication after revision» or «not recommended».
  • Reviews should be certified according to the procedure used in referee’s affiliating institution.
  • If the manuscript is not accepted for publication the Editorial Board sends the author its motivated refusal.
  • Manuscripts not recommended for publication by a referee will not be considered again. The negative review is sent to the author via e-mail, fax or regular mail.
  • A favorable review is not a sufficient ground for publication. The final decision on the feasibility of publication is made by the Editorial Board.
  • After the manuscript is accepted for publication the Executive Secretary informs the author about it and also about the time when the manuscript will be published.
  • Originals of reviews are kept by the Editorial Board of «Scientific Bulletin of VAPA. Series: Political Science and Sociology».