About

At BORDERS, we believe in the power of student voices to contribute meaningfully to the field of international relations.

Our mission is to:

  • Provide a platform for students to publish original research and scholarship
  • Foster academic discourse on complex international issues
  • Showcase diverse perspectives and methodologies
  • Bridge theory and practice in international relations
  • Create opportunities for students to develop editorial and publishing skills

BORDERS: An International Relations Journal was founded in 2022 by ambitious students in the Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) program at the University of Maryland. Recognizing the need for a platform that showcases student research and fosters academic discourse, these founding members established BORDERS as a peer-reviewed publication dedicated to exploring diverse perspectives within international relations. What began as a small initiative has grown into a respected academic journal with contributions from both undergraduate and graduate students across various disciplines. Each edition of BORDERS is carefully curated and edited by our student-led Board of Editors, ensuring high-quality research and thought-provoking analysis.

BORDERS publishes one issue each academic year. Between journal issues, we maintain an active online presence with weekly contributions from our community. Submissions undergo a rigorous peer review process to ensure quality and academic integrity. Each paper is evaluated by multiple reviewers using standardized criteria, with constructive feedback provided to authors.

The Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) program at the University of Maryland’s Department of Government and Politics provides advanced coursework and applied quantitative methods training for students pursuing international careers. While BORDERS was founded by MAIR students, the journal welcomes contributions from all academic programs related to international relations and global affairs.

BORDERS operates as a registered student organization at the University of Maryland. All editorial decisions, content curation, and journal operations are managed by our student Board of Editors, with faculty serving only in an advisory capacity.