Journal of Contemporary European Studies (JCES) is a multidisciplinary journal and is committed to the encouragement and promotion of debate on the empirical study of European societies, politics and cultures. The central area focus of the journal is European in its broadest geographical definition and articles are welcomed from both cross-national and single-country specialists in European studies. The JCES differentiates itself from other European Studies journals in that it is not EU focused - its focus and interests extend beyond the EU - and in that it also provides a forum for debate about the theory and practice of ‘area studies’ and the advantages, scope and limitations of interdisciplinarity. The journal publishes research articles and review articles, as well as an extensive section containing reviews on recently published books relating to European areas and themes. Thematic issues are regularly published and the JCES welcomes critical replies to articles that have appeared in earlier issues.