Impact in International Affairs: The Quest for World-Leading Research

This book examines the impact of academic research in politics and international studies and identifies eight characteristics of 'world-leading impact.' It concludes that process and public and media engagement are previously underestimated aspects of impact and that achieving the top levels of impact is possible, but factors such as the nature of the subject, the approach of researchers, and mean-spiritedness in the peer review process inhibit it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 138 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The impact of academic research in politics and international studies has been a subject of significant examination in recent years. This book delves into the question of how and to what extent this research has made a difference in the world, while also exploring what might constitute 'world-leading research impact.'

The field of international relations has always been driven by the desire to have a meaningful impact on the global landscape. When it was formally established in 1919, its primary objective was to understand and prevent war. Over the years, the field has evolved, and today, it encompasses a wide range of topics, including security, diplomacy, economics, and culture.

The concept of impact has become increasingly important in the academic world, as researchers seek to demonstrate the value of their work to society. This volume offers a comprehensive typology of impact, encompassing instrumental, conceptual, capacity building, and procedural dimensions. The authors examine 111 impact case studies from the UK Research Excellence Framework (2014) that were classified as having achieved the highest level of evaluation.

Through their analysis, the authors identify eight characteristics that define 'world-leading impact.' These include the ability to influence policy and practice, the generation of new knowledge and understanding, the engagement of stakeholders, the translation of research into practice, the impact on society and the environment, the scalability of impact, and the sustainability of impact.

One of the key findings of the book is that the process and public and media engagement are often underestimated aspects of impact in official approaches. The authors argue that these aspects are crucial in achieving the top levels of impact in international relations. They suggest that researchers should prioritize these aspects in their work and engage with a broader range of stakeholders to maximize their impact.

Despite the potential for significant impact, the book also highlights several factors that inhibit the achievement of top levels of impact in international relations. These include the nature of the subject, which can be complex and multidisciplinary, making it challenging to achieve coherence and consensus among researchers. Additionally, the approach of researchers can vary widely, with some focusing more on theoretical analysis than practical application, while others prioritize impact over rigor in their research.

Mean-spiritedness in the peer review process can also be a significant obstacle to achieving impact. The authors argue that peer review should be conducted in a fair and transparent manner, with reviewers providing constructive feedback to improve the quality of research. However, there have been instances where reviewers have been overly critical or dismissive of research, without providing clear evidence to support their criticisms.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the field of academic research in politics and international studies. It offers a comprehensive typology of impact, examines 111 impact case studies, and identifies eight characteristics that define 'world-leading impact.' The book also highlights the importance of process and public and media engagement in achieving top levels of impact, while also acknowledging the challenges and obstacles that researchers face in this endeavor.

This book will be of much interest to students of politics and international studies, as well as educational research and policy makers, and anyone interested in, or working on, research impact. The insights and recommendations provided in this book will help researchers to enhance their impact and contribute to the betterment of society.

Weight: 270g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367539429