Abstract
From the outgoing editors
Time flies when one is having fun. For the past four years, we have had the privilege to be editors of Cooperation and Conflict. As such, we have been fortunate to work with leading scholars of international relations from the Nordic countries and beyond; and in doing so, further raising the already high quality of the journal. Four years ago, in our Statement from the Editors (issue 45:1), we pledged to continue to seek to publish the outstanding work from the best Nordic international relations scholars, as well as the best and most vibrant analyses of Nordic issues, while simultaneously seeking to strengthen the international profile of the journal. This ambition is also a reflection of the process of globalization of world politics. Nordic issues do not stop at its borders anymore. This development is aptly captured in the series of special issues that we have been fortunate to publish: on neutrality and military non-alignment (46:3), world state futures (47:2), European security and supranational governance (47:4), and European Union normative power (48:2).
During the four years, we have also been privileged to work with some outstanding professionals that have made our tasks not only bearable, but enjoyable. Previous editors and the members of the editorial board of the journal have been helpful and offered much good advice. Successive Boards of the Nordic International Studies Association have been supportive throughout and provided stimulating discussions on strategic issues regarding Nordic scholarship and the role of the journal as well as excellent, annual smørrebrød at the University of Copenhagen and other fine Nordic institutions. We are also grateful to our editorial staff – Eamonn and Lesa – without whom running the journal would not have been possible.
A journal, however, is never more than its authors and the anonymous referees that collectively strive to improve the quality of our knowledge. We are ever so grateful and privileged to have worked with outstanding scholars in both these capacities over the past few years. In the bigger picture, journals are perfect examples of scholarly commons where authors and anonymous experts overcome collective dilemmas and short-term individual gains for the common good of maintaining high quality in research. It is only through high quality that the scientific community can maintain its relevance and significance for the rest of society. Presently, and in the future, the world faces a number of important and pressing challenges and hopefully research can contribute to meeting these. This is our final issue together and we take this opportunity to wish the new editors – Annika Björkdahl and Martin Hall of Lund University – the best of luck. If they will be equally fortunate as we have been in collaborating with some of the finest scholars in the world, the journal will continue to be strong and vibrant for Nordic and international scholarship.