Article Types

  • Reports: ≤1,500 words — Brief articles on events, exercises, trips, conferences, or projects.
  • Perspectives: ≤3,000 words — Editorials, commentaries, opinion pieces, or policy papers.
  • Research: ≤6,000 words — Original research, analytical papers, or systematic PRISMA reviews.

Manuscript Requirements

Title Page
Include:

  • Article title
  • Author names, qualifications, affiliations, and positions
  • Email address for the corresponding author

All submissions must be relevant to security practitioners in the Indo-Pacific.

Authorship – Only individuals who made a substantial contribution should be listed as authors.

Abstract – Required for Perspectives and Research articles only. Max 200 words. No references. Must reflect the article’s structure.

Summary – A 100–150 word summary is required for all non-research articles. This will appear on the website.

Keywords – Provide 3–5 keywords (not in the title) to help define the topic.

Formatting Guidelines

  • Use only Normal style in Microsoft Word.
  • Use only two levels of headings:
    • Level 1: Bold
    • Level 2: Bold Italic
  • Use numerals throughout (e.g., “7 participants”). Do not spell out numbers, even at the beginning of sentences.
  • Insert tables and figures in the desired position within the text. Each must include:
    • A title (for tables) or legend (for figures)
    • Clear labels, units, and defined abbreviations
    • High resolution and self-explanatory content

Acknowledgements – Optional. Name only those contributors who gave permission and do not qualify for authorship.

References

  • Any citation style can be used, as long as it is used consistently in your submission.
  • References must appear in the text.
  • Papers cited as “in press” must already be accepted.
  • Do not cite “in prep” or “submitted” works.
  • “Personal communication” and unpublished works may be mentioned in text only.
  • Direct quotes must appear either in quotation marks or in italics — not both.
  • Permission must be obtained to reuse published material. Acknowledge reused content as:

“Reproduced by kind permission of [Publisher] from [Reference]”

Writing Style Tips

  • Use bullet points for simple lists
  • Use tables for complex lists
  • Use figures for complex concepts
  • Keep language clear and sentences simple
  • Avoid one-sentence paragraphs and those longer than five sentences
  • Do not use contractions (e.g., write “do not” instead of “don’t”)
  • Define abbreviations at first use
  • Use spell check and grammar check
  • Articles must meet a high standard of English. Poorly written submissions will be rejected. Have your article reviewed by a fluent English writer before submission.

Submission Checklist

Ensure the following before submitting:

  • Read this guide thoroughly
  • Include names, titles, affiliations, and email addresses of all authors
  • Identify the corresponding author
  • Specify article type
  • Obtain and attach permissions for reused figures or tables
  • Clearly mark quotes with quotation marks or italics
  • Use consistent referencing style (author-year preferred)
  • Format headings, tables, and figures according to instructions

Cover Email Requirements

Send your article to nexus@apcss.org and include:

  • Proof of APCSS affiliation (e.g., course attended)
  • Article title
  • All author names (CC all co-authors)
  • For multi-author articles, include this statement:
    • “All authors contributed to the conception, design, analysis, or interpretation of this work, revised it, approved the final version, and are accountable for its content.”
  • Competing interests statement:
    • “The author/s have no competing interests to declare.”
  • For research involving identifiable data:
    • Include ethics approval or a statement that it was not required
  • Duplication statement:
    • “This article has not been submitted elsewhere for publication.”