Journal Guide

Contemporary Buddhism is an international peer-review journal that publishes articles on the current state and influence of Buddhism from across the human sciences. The journal is cross-disciplinary in its outlook and in addition to Buddhist and Religious Studies approaches, presents work from philosophers, anthropologists, psychologists, sociologists, historians, theologians and political scientists. Contemporary Buddhism examines the historical, doctrinal, literary, social and political developments that have formed contemporary versions of Buddhism, East and West. In all this Buddhism is predicated as an inhabited and relevant action-influencing worldview. The interests of Contemporary Buddhism include: • the meeting of Buddhism with western culture • the current self-understanding of different traditions of Buddhism and the relations between these traditions • the relations of Buddhism to other world religious traditions, both in mutual appreciation and in conflict • Buddhism in application within societies, Western and Asian • the uptake of Buddhism into other fields and disciplines • spotlighting issues arising for Buddhism in the 21st century • the non-partisan representation of all schools of Buddhism • the active investigation of diversity in the development of Buddhism as we see it today. Submissions of papers, as well as proposals for guest issues, related to the aims and scope of the journal are welcomed. The journal will publish reviews of books, including reviews of non-English language books, films, exhibitions, internet resources, etc. The reviews' editor also welcomes proposals for bibliographic essays on specific topics and areas, as well as reports on specific genres. Suggestions or offers for reviews, as well as enquiries about any of these should be addressed to Phibul Choompolpaisal. A Practical and Intellectual Agenda For a statement of the ideas that inspired the creation of Contemporary Buddhism download the inaugural editorial by Michael McGhee: The time has long since gone when the study of Buddhism in the West was the preserve of a few scholars, or its influence confined to a handful of European intellectuals. The time is long since too when Buddhist practice in the West was a polite genuflection, 'meditation'merely the occasional ancillary to a self defining intellectual conviction. Popular perception has altered too, and we are familiar now with Buddhist chic, with the movie stars photographed with smiling Lamas. But the current reality has become very interesting... more Peer Review Policy All research articles considered for publication are subject to anonymized peer reviewed by two referees. Articles in Contemporary Buddhism are included in the Thomson Reuters Arts & Humanities Citation Index and the ATLA Religion Database. Disclaimer for scientific, technical and social science publications: Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the 'Content') contained in its publications. However, Taylor & Francis and its agents and licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness or suitability for any purpose of the Content and disclaim all such representations and warranties whether express or implied to the maximum extent permitted by law. Any views expressed in this publication are the views of the authors and are not the views of Taylor & Francis.

Rationale
The importance to study and understand Islam and contemporary Muslim life from a socio-scientific perspective seems more relevant than ever. Currently, there is no specific journal that offers a platform for discussion on contemporary aspects of Islam and Muslims. Indeed, the historical, political and comparative approach to Islam has been preferred over social scientific research and themes. Contemporary Islam: Dynamics of Muslim Life aims to fill this gap by providing an active forum for the discussion of new ideas, fieldwork experiences, challenging views, and methodological and theoretical approaches to Muslim life.

Topical and interdisciplinary
Contemporary Islam: Dynamics of Muslim Life focuses on topical issues and takes an interdisciplinary approach that benefits from a cross-cultural perspective: articles will explore the relationship between Islam and its contemporary cultural, material, gender, economic, political, and religious expressions from different socio-scientific perspectives, such as anthropology, sociology, education, politics, international relations, ethnomusicology, arts, film studies, economics, human rights, international law, diaspora minority studies, demography, and ethics.

Focus
The journal provides insights into the contemporary dynamics of Muslim life by focusing on questions concerning the presence of Muslim migrants in the West as well as western-born Muslims, and the continuing active role that Islam plays in their lives. The journal also intends to provide insights into the idea of ‘the West’ among Muslims as well as the relationship between Muslim identities and social life. Contemporary Islam: Dynamics of Muslim Life regards Islam as a modern religion in today’s global societies.

Readership and Editorial Board
As the first socio-scientific journal to focus on Muslim life, Contemporary Islam: Dynamics of Muslim, Life will be of interest to scholars and students in various academic fields related to the world of Islam. The editorial board reflects the multidisciplinary approach of the journal.