Call for Papers: Issue VI Reimagining Urban Governance: Freedom Cities, Charter Cities, and the Potential of Special Jurisdictions.

We’re pleased to announce the sixth issue of the Journal of Special Jurisdictions, which will focus on one of the most pressing and promising areas of governance innovation today: the emergence of new urban governance models. As cities confront growing economic, social, and environmental pressures, initiatives like Freedom Cities, charter cities, and other types of Startup Societies are rethinking how we govern urban life.

About the Journal:

Founded in 2019, the Journal of Special Jurisdictions is the only peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to Special Economic Zones and related governance innovations. It publishes high-quality research on the legal, political, economic, and technological aspects of special jurisdictions worldwide.

Topic Overview: Exploring Governance Innovation and Urban Possibility We seek papers that examine how special jurisdictions and governance innovation could reshape the urban future. This includes both conceptual and applied research on efforts to establish new types of cities or zones that operate outside traditional governance constraints, or that are enabled by specific governance arrangements. By analyzing their foundations, early implementations, and surrounding debates, this issue aims to assess the transformative potential of these models. Submissions that bridge theory and practice—especially those incorporating perspectives from law, political science, economics, urban planning, and technology—are especially encouraged. Suggested Topics Include (but Are Not Limited To):

• The vision and policy frameworks behind Freedom Cities, charter cities, and similar new urban initiatives.
  
• How special jurisdictions can serve as platforms for economic growth, regulatory experimentation, and infrastructure innovation.
  
• Exploratory applications of blockchain and digital technologies in governance, identity, and urban service delivery.
  
• Legal and constitutional pathways—and obstacles—for the creation of autonomous or semi-autonomous urban zones.
  
• Governance design: comparing public-private partnerships, community-driven models, and privatized city initiatives.
  
• Case studies of operational or proposed charter cities, startup societies, and special economic zones.
  
• Public legitimacy, accountability, and citizen participation in alternative governance models.
  
• Challenges of scalability, funding, and long-term sustainability in new city projects.
  
• Historical precedents and geopolitical implications of semi-autonomous city-building efforts.

 

Submission Guidelines

• Intent to Submit Deadline: June 30, 2025.
  
  
• Full Paper Submission Deadline: September 15, 2025.
  
  
• Languages: English or Spanish.
  
  
• Submission Platform: Author’s section of the Journal of Special Jurisdictions website
• Length Requirement: 6,000–12,000 words (excluding references and appendices).
  
  
• Review Process: Double-blind peer review.
  
  
• Publication: Accepted papers will appear in Issue VI of the Journal of Special Jurisdictions.
  
  
  

Editorial Team:
https://journalofspecialjurisdictions.com/index.php/jsj/about/editorialTeam

For further details, visit our website or contact us.
https://journalofspecialjurisdictions.com/index.php/jsj/about/contact