Mapping International Studies in the Philippines: Current State and Future Directions

Abstract

The field of international studies (IS) is evolving and growing, yet institutions in the Philippines face limited resources and low productivity in scholarly journal publication, which hinders them in advancing studies in the field. Therefore, this study examines IS-related articles in the Philippines through a bibliometric analysis of 978 peer-reviewed articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science to map out trends, themes, and future direction in this discourse. The findings highlight significant growth in IS scholarship over the past decade, particularly on human-centered issues, including themes such as “human,” “international cooperation,” and “global health.” However, findings also reveal persistent challenges, including reliance on Eurocentric paradigms, limited engagement with underrepresented regions and local institutions, and concentration of research in metropolitan academic institutions. Through co-occurrence and collaboration mapping in Biblioshiny through Bibliometrix of R Studio, this study indicates research gaps in integrating global governance systems with local community concerns and promoting interdisciplinary approaches. Hence, this study emphasizes  the need to adapt localized theoretical frameworks and to enrich international and local collaborations to advance a more inclusive and context-driven IS field in the country. Addressing these gaps can enhance the Philippines’ contributions to global academic discourse while tackling pressing challenges in the field of international studies.