Political sociology in a global context: Mapping transnational knowledge flows and research fronts (1994–2025)

Abstract

This study offers a comprehensive bibliometric examination of political sociology, tracing its thematic evolution, methodological diversification, and institutional geography from 1994 to 2025. Drawing on 473 Scopus-indexed articles, the analysis employs CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix to map intellectual linkages, citation networks, and conceptual clusters within the field. Results reveal sustained growth, moderate citation impact, and a core emphasis on democracy, inequality, and collective action, alongside emerging foci on populism, identity politics, and digital governance. The United States remains the primary locus of publication and influence, though increasing contributions from Europe and Latin America signal a gradual internationalization of the discipline. Thematic mapping identifies “political sociology” as the foundational domain, closely tied to social movements and public policy research. By integrating quantitative visualization with critical interpretation, this study advances a meta-analytical understanding of political sociology’s intellectual architecture and highlights its responsiveness to contemporary global transformations.