Submissions

Author Guidelines

Submission Language

All manuscripts must be written in English. Authors are responsible for the accuracy, clarity, and readability of their text. Those for whom English is not a first language are encouraged to obtain professional editing or proofreading before submission.

Manuscript Types and Length

• Research Articles: 5,000–6,000 words (inclusive of references, footnotes, tables, and figures)
• Policy Briefs, Analytical Essays, and Review Articles: 2,000–4,000 words
• Book Reviews: 1,000–1,500 words
• Special Reports and Case Studies: Up to 8,000 words (requires prior editorial approval)

Format all manuscripts on A4 paper, double-spaced, with 2.5 cm margins, using a 12 pt serif font (e.g., Times New Roman).

Title Page

Submit the title page as a separate file. It must include:

• Title: Concise and informative, without abbreviations
• Author Information: Full name, institutional affiliation, full postal address, email, and telephone number for each author
• ORCID iD: 16-digit identifier for every author (mandatory for the corresponding author)
• Corresponding Author: Clearly marked with complete contact details
• Acknowledgments and Funding: Names of funding bodies and grant numbers, if applicable

Abstract and Keywords

Provide an abstract of 250–300 words that summarizes the purpose, methodology, principal findings, and conclusions. Do not include citations, references, or abbreviations.
List a minimum of six keywords that reflect the manuscript's main topics.

Manuscript Structure

Organize the main text under the following numbered headings and subheadings (e.g., 2.1, 2.2):

1. Introduction
2. Literature Review / Background
3. Methodology
4. Analysis / Findings
5. Discussion
6. Conclusion and Recommendations
7. References

Abbreviations

Spell out all abbreviations at first mention, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. Use abbreviations consistently thereafter.

Tables and Figures

• Tables: Number sequentially (e.g., Table 1, Table 2), cite each in the text, place captions above the table, and include any explanatory notes below.
• Figures: Number sequentially (e.g., Figure 1, Figure 2), cite each in the text, and place captions below the figure. Provide high-resolution images (minimum 300 dpi) in JPG, PNG, or TIFF format. All figures must be original or include written permission from the copyright holder.

References

Adopt either the APA (7th edition) or MLA (most recent) style and apply it consistently. Ensure each in-text citation appears in the reference list and vice versa. Do not list unpublished works in the references; these may be cited parenthetically in the text (e.g., "personal communication").

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Declaration Policy

The Nation State: Journal of National Security and Geopolitics recognizes the growing use of generative artificial intelligence tools in academic writing and research. To maintain transparency, academic integrity, and research reproducibility, all authors must disclose any use of AI tools in their submission.

AI Usage Guidelines:

Permitted Uses :

• Language editing, grammar checking, and proofreading assistance
• Translation of non-English sources for research purposes
• Basic formatting and reference style verification
• Literature search assistance and organization of research materials

Prohibited Uses

• Generation of substantive research content, analysis, or conclusions
• Creation of data, figures, or research findings
• Drafting of major sections without significant human oversight and revision
• Use of AI as a listed author or co-author

Mandatory Disclosure Requirements:

Authors must include an "AI Declaration Statement" in a separate section of their manuscript that specifies

1. Tool(s) Used: Name and version of any AI system employed (e.g., ChatGPT 4.0, Claude 3.5, Grammarly AI)
2. Purpose: Specific tasks for which AI was utilized (e.g., "ChatGPT 4.0 was used to improve the readability and grammar of the initial draft")
3. Extent: Approximate percentage or scope of content affected
4. Human Oversight: Description of author review and revision processes

Example Declaration: "The authors used ChatGPT 4.0 to improve the language and readability of this manuscript. All content was subsequently reviewed, fact-checked, and substantially revised by the authors, who take full responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of the research."

Author Responsibilities:

• Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of all content
• All factual claims, citations, and data must be independently verified
• Authors must ensure compliance with ethical research standards regardless of AI assistance.
• Failure to disclose AI usage may result in manuscript rejection or retraction

Editorial Review:

Manuscripts with disclosed AI usage will undergo the same rigorous peer review process. Reviewers will be informed of AI tool usage to ensure appropriate evaluation of originality and scholarly contribution.

Following these guidelines will streamline the review process and maintain uniformity across all publications in The Nation State: Journal of National Security and Geopolitics.