This issue marks the end of Roger Charlton’s distinguished term as Joint Editor. As editor since 2001 – longer than any of his predecessors except W. H. Morris-Jones in its first decades – Roger has helped shape the journal’s unparalleled coverage of the regions of the Commonwealth and its distinctive focus on comparative politics. His breadth and depth of knowledge, especially of sub-Saharan Africa, and keen editorial eye was always combined with a light touch, and a sympathetic and helpful approach, particularly to younger scholars. As editor he sought to make scholarship accessible, holding that the best social science should be expressed clearly and be readily comprehensible. His editorial responsibilities now pass to Peter Clegg of the University of the West of England. Peter’s research interests lie in the Commonwealth Caribbean and the politics and international relations of small island states and dependent territories whilst also extending to other aspects of comparative politics and international political economy.
