The Case for Conservative Scholarly Journals in Academia

In response to perceived ideological bias within academic publishing, there is a growing call for the establishment of conservative scholarly journals. This initiative aims to create alternative pathways for tenure and promote diverse scholarship that challenges the prevailing progressive narratives in academia. The proposal is rooted in the belief that current academic journals often reflect a narrow ideological perspective, particularly in fields such as American Studies and political science.

When “American Studies” Can’t Say Anything Good About America

Recent analyses have highlighted a troubling trend in academic publishing, particularly within the flagship journal of American Studies, *American Quarterly*. A report by the Progressive Policy Institute found that 80% of articles published between 2022 and 2024 were critical of the United States, with no positive assessments. This pattern of ideological bias has raised concerns about the role of academic journals as gatekeepers of scholarship and professional advancement. The Goldwater Institute's report, *Peer Review Gone Wild*, further illustrates how the American Political Science Review has shifted towards activism, prioritizing ideological conformity over scholarly rigor.

When “American Studies” Can’t Say Anything Good About AmericaLet’s Build Conservative Scholarly Journals — The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal

Advocates for conservative scholarly journals argue that these publications would provide a platform for quality scholarship that diverges from the dominant progressive discourse. Daniel Buck, a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, emphasizes that such journals could facilitate the careers of conservative academics while enriching the intellectual landscape of higher education. Examples from K-12 education reform, such as *Education Next* and the *Journal of School Choice*, demonstrate the potential impact of alternative publication venues in fostering diverse viewpoints.

Let’s Build Conservative Scholarly Journals — The James G. Martin Center for Academic RenewalWhen “American Studies” Can’t Say Anything Good About America

While the proposal for conservative journals has its supporters, critics express concerns about the implications of openly partisan publications. Some argue that the existence of such journals could further entrench ideological divides within academia, undermining the pursuit of objective scholarship. Critics also caution that the establishment of conservative journals may not address the broader issues of student debt, bureaucratic inertia, and the ideological composition of faculty.

Let’s Build Conservative Scholarly Journals — The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal

Proponents of the conservative journal initiative assert that these publications would not necessarily be partisan but would instead focus on publishing high-quality scholarship that challenges the status quo. They argue that the creation of these journals is essential for restoring balance in academic discourse and ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented.

When “American Studies” Can’t Say Anything Good About America

The American Higher Education Restoration Act, developed by the Goldwater Institute and other organizations, aims to address the ideological biases in academic publishing. This legislation seeks to reestablish a teaching-first norm in higher education, requiring transparency in the approval of publicly funded scholarship and ensuring that teaching excellence is prioritized over ideological activism.

When “American Studies” Can’t Say Anything Good About AmericaLet’s Build Conservative Scholarly Journals — The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal

• “ When an entire discipline’s flagship journal systematically excludes positive or even mixed assessments of American institutions, the issue is no longer about “national boosterism” as the AQ editor would have you believe—it’s about intellectual siloing and credibility.” — Carl Paulus, Senior Writer, Goldwater Institute

When “American Studies” Can’t Say Anything Good About America

• “A handful of conservative journals, armed with intellectually serious authors, could have a substantial impact on higher education.” — Daniel Buck, Research Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

Let’s Build Conservative Scholarly Journals — The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal

• “Martin Center for Academic Renewal, the proposal starts from a simple premise: taxpayers should not be required to subsidize ideological activism masquerading as academic research.” — Goldwater Institute Statement

When “American Studies” Can’t Say Anything Good About America

The establishment of conservative scholarly journals represents a significant shift in the academic landscape, aiming to foster a more intellectually diverse environment while addressing the ideological biases that have emerged in traditional academic publishing.

Let’s Build Conservative Scholarly Journals — The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal