Since its founding under David Mutimer a decade ago, Critical Studies on Security has emerged as an important space for explorations of a wide range of issues and interventions across the gamut of critical theoretical perspectives treating ‘security,’ broadly defined. As we open our tenth volume, there is much to reflect on around all that has been built through the last decade and the contributions that have made it possible, not least by the many authors whose original research and incisive analysis has propelled the rapid growth of our readership. We also acknowledge and thank the many reviewers for their generosity of time and the invaluable advice that has guided editorial decisions. The interest and engagement by members of the Editorial Board and the dedication of all those who have served in editorial roles has likewise been crucial in leading CSoS to the auspicious position from which we look forward to the next ten years. Continuing the high standard set by Laura Shepherd, Aggie Hirst and Chris Rossdale bring new insights to bear on timely issues as Editors of the popular Interventions section. Since 2019, Rebekah Pullen has served as Social Media Editor, increasing our visibility across several platforms. Keeping everything coordinated and liaising with the publisher, our outstanding Managing Editor, Shannon Stettner, oversees day-to-day operations and is indispensable as a font of ideas and insight into how we can continually improve.
As we take stock of where we have come and plan directions forward, it is also a time of change. It is with a mix of sadness and tremendous gratitude that we offer our best wishes to two members of the editorial group who have recently concluded their terms. Kyle Grayson leaves his position as Editor, having played a key part in CSoS from its inception and as an original member of the editorial group. Swati Parashar, who served as Associate Editor for the last several years and who brought much in a time of renewal, also moves on from her position and leaves an indelible imprint. We are pleased that both will continue to serve as members of the Editorial Board and we look forward to benefitting from their continuing guidance in that capacity. At the same time, I am pleased to announce that we have recently been joined by three superb new Associate Editors – Coralie Hindawi, Rhys Machold, and Somdeep Sen – each of whom brings expertise in important areas of the journal’s remit as well as networks of connections through communities of research in which we are keen to build our presence.
A few new initiatives have recently come to fruition. Led by Helen Berents and with the support of Amanda Patterson at Taylor & Francis, the inaugural Critical Studies on Security Early Career Outstanding Research Article Award competition was announced in 2021. The Award Jury, chaired by Colleen Bell, has named Liam Midzain-Gobin the first recipient for his article, ‘Comfort and insecurity in the reproduction of settler coloniality,’ published in volume 9, number 3. The Jury gives honourable mention to Iida-Maria Tammi’s article, ‘Politicians, pathogens, and other threats to aid workers: a material semiotic analysis of violence against health care in the Syrian conflict,’ also published in volume 9, number 3. CSoS extends hearty congratulations to both as well as our thanks to all who applied for the Award. We regard it as a very important part of the journal’s mission that we support and acknowledge the excellent work of early career researchers and look forward to submissions made for future competitions on an annual basis.
We are also very happy to announce the success of our applications for indexing in Scopus and Web of Science: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI). That this process proceeded much more quickly than expected speaks to the fast-rising profile of CSoS across a wide range of key metrics, increasing the visibility and potential impact of the articles and Interventions pieces we accept for publication. We know this is as important for authors as it is for the journal itself and are pleased to be able to point to this further incentive for submission to CSoS.
Finally, we open volume 10 with the introduction of a redesigned cover and a new cover image. With all the energy and exciting new developments underway at CSoS the time is right for a refresh of the visual profile. We have adopted this distinctive new look with the aim of increased ease of recognition as well as for its unique aspect which sets it apart and which we hope will quickly come to be associated with the journal’s mission, remit, and reputation for publishing high-quality, leading-edge work on ‘security’ in and through social critique.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).