Submit a Manuscript to the Journal
Comparative American Studies: An International Journal
For a Special Issue on
America at 250
Abstract deadline
Manuscript deadline
Special Issue Editor(s)
Thomas Ruys Smith,
UEA
thomas.smith@uea.ac.uk
Rachael McLennan,
UEA
R.Mclennan@uea.ac.uk
America at 250
In 2026 the United States of America will celebrate its 250th birthday. Such anniversaries, from the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia onwards, have traditionally been times of stock-taking and national reflection—a way to gauge what President Ulysses Grant described in 1876 as “the excellences and deficiencies of our achievements.” Given the urgent national and geo-political turmoil of the present moment, 2026 is likely to be no different. In that spirit, we are planning a Special Issue of Comparative American Studies dedicated to reflections on America’s Semiquincentennial.
We are hoping to feature a series of shorter form articles - comments (max 3000 words), roundtable discussions (max 5000 words) and interviews (max 5000 words) - that explore the complexities, contradictions, and contested meanings of American identity, democracy, and global influence in the light of this jubilee. Essays which reflect on the future, present and past of American Studies at this junction-point are also encouraged. Any approach or theme is welcome.
Submission Instructions
For now, please send a proposal of no more than 300 words to editors Rachael McLennan (R.Mclennan@uea.ac.uk) and Thomas Ruys Smith (Thomas.Smith@uea.ac.uk). Deadline for proposals is October 1 2025. Final essays will be due February 1 2026, to be submitted through the journal's Submission Portal.
All research articles and review articles are subject to a rigorous peer review process, based on initial Editor screening and double anonymous refereeing by a minimum of two external specialist referees. Editorials, book reviews, comments, discussions, interviews and introductions are assessed by the Editors but are not externally peer reviewed.