Editor Interview: ReOrient

Critical Muslim Studies

Islamophobia Studies Journal
Patterns of Prejudice

This is the only journal that is dedicated to the advancement of Critical Muslim Studies. It is a publication that takes seriously the challenge of strong Orientalism for Islamic Studies, Area Studies and other areas of studies outside the frame of hegemonic Whiteness and Westerness. ReOrient is inspired by a profound critique of Eurocentrism and its implications for a post-Western order of things.

Familiarize yourself with the Critical Muslim Studies project including podcasts (Network ReOrient) and blog, read the "manifesto" of Critical Muslim Studies that can be found in the first issue of ReOrient as well on the Critical Muslim Studies website.

The ideal submission is genealogically aware of the matter of the field. In other words, it should pretend the study of a phenomenon such e.g Islamophobia begins with that particular submission. The ideal submission should be able to situate itself in the field of Critical Muslim Studies by engaging with its formation and specificity of its debates. The ideal submission is well-written, is formatted according to journal guidelines and broadens the range of examples by which we understand the world. It situates itself in ongoing intellectual conversations and has an argument. There should be a reason why the submission is a good fit for ReOrient. Most importantly, it should be trying to make a contribution to the development of the Critical Muslim Studies project.

There is a belief that anything about Muslims would fit the journal, and they do not realize like all journals we are dependant on our reviewers and as the journal has a specific identity, we are not the best place to publish generic material.

We would like to know that they are a person, not a bot, and that they have some standing in the fielding and commitment to it. In other words, they have a verifiable academic institutional affiliation, with a specific academic title. We do on occasion consider independent researchers who have been recommended to us, we do not consider them cold. It is always helpful if we have an idea why the person submitting to us, is doing so.

We read all pieces before deciding to send them out to review or discussion at the editorial board.

There are three levels of evaluation: firstly, by editors whether it is to be rejected or returned to the author or if it is strong enough to be sent to review. Secondly, by reviewers. Thirdly, when there is a disagreement among the reviews or if the editors feel it requires further discussion it is discussed with the full editorial board.

It depends on the piece. All pieces that are published with ReOrient will get copy editing. We expect submitted articles to be polished, and proofread. The authors approve the final edits.

Not currently, but we are open to this possibility.