Research articles aimed at addressing direct policy issues are NOT welcome by academic journal, what is the reason?
Hello,
maybe it is the broadness of the topic you chose. Addressing trade deficit would most likely be very inaccurate. Also this specific topic has been quite explored already with the theories reaching to mercantilism. Maybe try making it more specific, that is "How to address trade deficit between the Middle East and Europe"
This topic is still discussed in the academia by those who are in favor of trade surplus/balanced trade. However, now it's discussed through a much narrow lens. For instance, you can find multiple related topics such as optimal/threshold tarrif level to adrress trade deficit. Dynamic relatiohship/nexus between/among export or imports/exchange rate/interest rates/inflstion rates etc..
Why a policy paper like "how to address trade deficit" is NOT finding place in academic journals?
This question calls for critical reflection on why academic journals and policy papers exist, and what they are meant to address or achieve. As a point of departure, policy papers tend to be pragmatic and meant to address practical challenges or get solutions for existing or anticipated challenges. In some incidences, policy papers are designed or formulated to cause or effect policy reversals. The main targets of such policy papers are politicians at national, regional, and local levels, NGOs, faith-based organisations and other diverse agencies involved in advocacy work. On the other hand, the primary objective of academic journals is to advance knowledge in highly specialised areas through research articles, theoretical papers and reviews. They promote and popularise those aspects that contribute to theoretical understanding or empirical analysis. Researchers, academicians and students focused on theoretical work are the primary beneficiaries of the academic journals. Additionally, academic journals emphasise the originality of knowledge, hinged on grounded theoretical knowledge augmented by methodological rigour, and academic prowess, which a policy paper does not have to satisfy. Moreover, the intention of academic journals is a long-term horizon compared to the often short-term outlook of prescriptive policy papers.
Is trade deficit an issue? It depends, would be the answer. If it is an issue, why and is it a trade or a macroeconomic issue? If it is a trade issue, is it short term (international price volatility, as for oil) or structural? If it is structural (weak or not competitive export sector), what are your supply-side options? If it is macro, is it due to excess private investment and large capital inflows or large fiscal deficit and increased international public debt? Does it lead to exchange rate misalignment that boosts imports and reduce exports? Etc.
Each one of these aspects can be addressed individually in a paper. But a paper tackling all of them in depth would be called a book and will have to find a different editor.
A policy paper like "how to address trade deficit" may not find a place in academic journals because it typically focuses on practical policy recommendations rather than theoretical contributions or empirical research that academic journals typically prioritize. Such papers are often more suited for policy-oriented publications or think tanks.
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