The Journal of Modern African Studies is a quarterly academic journal of African studies covering developments in modern African politics and society. Its main emphasis is on current issues in African politics, economies, societies, and international relations. The journal is published by Cambridge University Press and as of 2018 its editors-in-chief are Ian Taylor and Ebenezer Obadare. It was edited by Leonardo A. Villalón and Paul Nugent from 2012 to 2017, and by Christopher Clapham from 1997 to 2012. David Kimble served as its founding editor from 1963 to 1997.