Volume 57 of Politikon: The IAPSS Journal of Political Science features a diverse array of articles and reviews that showcase the breadth and depth of contemporary political science research. From an exploration of non-state actors and regional identity in Southern Africa to an analysis of Scottish political parties' framing strategies on social media, the articles employ a range of methodological approaches to explore pressing issues in international relations and comparative politics. The Conversations section includes a thought-provoking film review that highlights the power of cinema to engage with sociopolitical issues, while the book reviews critically engage with recent publications on the crisis of democratic politics and the electoral strategies of centrist anti-establishment parties in Central and Eastern Europe. Together, the contributions in this issue demonstrate the vibrant dialogue and debate within political science, as scholars push the boundaries of the discipline to grapple with the complex challenges of our time.
