Journal of Contemporary European Studies (JCES) is a multidisciplinary journal for the empirical study of European societies, politics and cultures and is committed to the encouragement and promotion of debate on these topics. 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. Furthermore, the Journal is enhanced by non-European perspectives.Research and review articles are published in the JCES, as well as an extensive section containing reviews on recently published books relating to European areas and themes. The journal publishes articles from a variety of disciplines within the humanities and social sciences, including sociology and social policy, politics and economics. Recent issues have considered a range of themes including: gender, migration, labour, identity and integration. Thematic issues are regularly published and the Editorial Board welcomes critical replies to articles that have appeared in earlier issues.