The Convention — Contributor Guidelines
The Convention is an independent research institute and media platform focused on foreign policy, international relations, geopolitics, security, conflict, human rights and underreported global affairs. We publish evidence-driven analysis for researchers, students, policymakers, journalists and informed general readers.
We welcome contributions from academics, practitioners, researchers, journalists, students and emerging writers. Contributors do not need to be affiliated with a university or institution, but submissions must demonstrate serious research, clear reasoning and respect for evidence.
What we publish
We consider:
- analytical essays;
- policy analysis;
- opinion articles;
- research commentary;
- long-form analysis;
- student perspectives;
- book and article reviews;
- country and regional studies;
- analysis of international law, security and global governance.
We are particularly interested in work that examines underreported regions, challenges conventional assumptions or connects local developments to wider international and geopolitical questions.
We are not primarily a breaking-news outlet. A submission should offer an argument, interpretation or analytical framework not simply describe an event. Strong articles explain why an issue matters, identify the evidence supporting the argument and consider relevant counterarguments.
Pitches and submissions
Before sending a completed article, contributors may submit a short pitch of approximately 150–300 words. The pitch should include:
- the proposed title or central question;
- the main argument;
- why the subject matters now;
- the evidence or cases the article will examine;
- the proposed word length;
- a brief author biography;
- links to previous work, if available.
We also accept completed manuscripts. Please include a short cover note explaining whether the piece is original, previously published or submitted elsewhere.
Send pitches and manuscripts to:
Editorial / pitches: editor@theconventionmedia.org
General inquiries: info@theconventionmedia.org
Length and format
Our usual word ranges are:
- Opinions and commentaries: 800–1,200 words;
- Analytical essays: 1,000–1,800 words;
- Policy analysis: 1,200–2,000 words;
- Long-form features: 2,000–3,500 words;
- Reviews: 800–1,500 words.
These are guidelines rather than fixed limits. A shorter article may be appropriate for a focused argument, while a complex subject may require greater length. Contributors should submit manuscripts in a clear Word document or Google Docs format, with a working title and author name.
Evidence and references
The Convention values transparent and verifiable research. Contributors should provide inline hyperlinks to the specific sources supporting factual claims, figures, quotations and legal or institutional references.
Whenever possible, link directly to:
- official government documents;
- legislation and court decisions;
- international organisations;
- datasets and statistical reports;
- academic research;
- original interviews;
- institutional publications;
- reputable investigative reporting.
Avoid linking only to a publication’s homepage. Each hyperlink should lead to the specific article, document, page, table or dataset supporting the claim.
Please distinguish clearly between:
- established facts;
- allegations;
- official claims;
- disputed interpretations;
- the author’s own analysis.
Social-media posts may be used as primary material when relevant, but they should be identified clearly and independently verified wherever possible. Anonymous or unverified material should not be presented as established fact.
A separate bibliography is not normally required for web articles if the relevant sources are linked inline. Contributors may include a short references section for academic or research-heavy submissions where it improves clarity.
Originality and exclusivity
Submissions should be original and intended for first publication by The Convention. Please disclose whether the article, or any substantial part of it, has previously appeared elsewhere or is currently under consideration by another publication.
If a piece has been adapted from earlier work, explain what has changed and provide links to the earlier versions. Contributors remain responsible for securing permission to reproduce copyrighted material, including substantial quotations, images, tables and translations.
After publication, contributors may republish their work elsewhere after 30 days, provided the republication includes the following note:
First published by The Convention: [link to the original article]
The author retains copyright unless a separate written agreement states otherwise.
Editorial process
All submissions are reviewed by the editorial team. We assess submissions according to:
- originality of argument;
- relevance to The Convention’s subject areas;
- quality and transparency of evidence;
- analytical depth;
- clarity and structure;
- fairness in presenting competing positions;
- compliance with legal and ethical standards.
We may request revisions before accepting a piece. We may also edit for clarity, length, accuracy, structure and house style. Authors will be given the opportunity to review substantial editorial changes before publication.
Our usual review period is up to two weeks after receipt of a revised or completed manuscript. We cannot guarantee publication or respond individually to every unsolicited submission.
AI-assisted writing
We permit the use of AI tools for limited drafting, editing, translation, organisation or research assistance. Authors must disclose whether AI was used and explain its role.
Authors remain fully responsible for:
- every factual claim;
- every quotation;
- every figure and statistic;
- every citation and hyperlink;
- the originality of the work;
- the final language and argument.
AI-generated citations, quotations or sources must not be used without verification. Authors must check each cited claim against the original source. Where AI materially shaped the text, The Convention may include a brief disclosure note with the published article.
Ethical and editorial standards
Contributors must:
- avoid plagiarism and unattributed borrowing;
- disclose conflicts of interest;
- distinguish reporting from opinion and analysis;
- avoid fabricated sources, quotations or interviews;
- protect the identity of vulnerable sources where necessary;
- avoid dehumanising language;
- avoid unsupported allegations against individuals or institutions;
- correct significant errors promptly if identified after publication.
Articles involving conflict, human rights, security or vulnerable communities require particular care. The Convention may request additional documentation or clarification before publication.
Author information
Please include:
- your full name;
- current affiliation or professional description;
- a biography of approximately 50–100 words;
- a headshot, where available;
- links to previous work or professional profiles.
Students and independent researchers are welcome to submit. Institutional affiliation is not required, but contributors should describe their background accurately.
Payment and publication fees
The Convention does not charge contributors for publication, and we do not currently pay contributors.
Our contributors participate on a voluntary basis. In return, selected authors receive an editorial platform through which their research, arguments and perspectives can reach readers interested in international affairs, policy and global politics.
Publication is not guaranteed and is subject to editorial review.
How to submit
Email your pitch or manuscript to:
Please use the subject line:
Submission: [Proposed title] — [Author name]
Include the manuscript or pitch as an attachment or Google Docs link, along with your short biography, relevant links and any disclosure regarding previous publication, conflicts of interest or AI assistance.