Editorial

I am honoured to have been appointed as editor-in-chief for a further five years and wish to thank Robert Michels for the interesting time we have had jointly editing the International Journal over the last five years. Our differing views have enhanced creative thinking. I hope and believe that this divergence has contributed to an interesting journal. I also want to thank the outgoing regional editors: Catalina Bronstein for her important contribution to the London Board, which has been the board dealing with the greatest number of papers (papers submitted in the English language not originating from the Americas); Ricardo Bernardi who, besides his editorial work, has been very active in arranging meetings in Latin America to promote a dialogue between The International Journal and the Latin American community; and Sergio Lewkowicz who, as deputy editor for Latin America has also been active in this development.

The International Journal of Psychoanalysis is unique in its aim and editorial composition. Being ‘international’ in my view means publishing the best papers from all traditions. Psychoanalysis has developed in different places along different traditions. Strong traditions are to be valued and fostered. Enabling the creative and focused pursuit of specific ways of thinking and of particular topics of interest is important for our discipline. Difference is to be respected and can also nurture cross-fertilization. Looking at divergences and convergences is important and the International Journal is also the place of publication for those who seriously wish to engage with other points of view. However, it is not necessarily the same authors who can write important papers from within their tradition as those who can engage in comparative psychoanalysis. The International Journal needs to foster both.

At this time at which our discipline is being eroded by cultural and economic factors, it is also important that the International Journal engage in a serious discus