Submit | Observatory On Contemporary Crises

Eligibility: The OCC is accepting submissions from students, researchers, academics, or working professionals with a political science, international relations, policy, or similar background. Potential authors are encouraged to approach the editorial team during the early stages of content development.

Characteristics of Accepted Publications:

Publications are the original work of students or contributors.
1. Publications of articles have not plagiarized or used Artificial Intelligence to generate content.
The author will adhere to using “Hyperlinks” when needed to properly cite their sources
Submitted articles must adhere to the below stated word count.
1. Word count may vary slightly depending on the type of article being submitted. Please see “Types of Accepted Publications”

Word Length 800-1000

Commentary: A “Commentary” article will focus more on the author’s opinion regarding an event and or policy. Such an article would include; a catchy hook, an introduction, personal opinion/analysis of the topic backed by research and sources. A more informal style of writing is permitted.
1. Identify and explain the significance of the crisis;
2. Provide context; Offer a thoughtful perspective or critique supported by data;
3. Add a brief evaluation of its impact and implications.

Word Length 1000-1200

A “Policy Memo” article will be centered around a specific policy area that the author wishes to highlight or critique and propose a continuation of the policy or an alternative. An academic research-based style of writing will be expected. Policy memos analyze a policy problem and propose well argued, evidence-based recommendations for decision-makers. The structure should reflect this objective:
1. Introductory paragraph explaining the specific policy problem;
2. A short outline of the current policy approach and its most immediate context;
3. Assessment of alternative policy options or different policy making scenarios;
4. Indicate a preferred course of action or policy recommendation considering political, legal and institutional constraints.

Word length1200-1600

Analysis pieces conduct an in-depth analysis of a selected governance, or crisis governance, aspect. The recommended structure reflects the analytical objective of this type of publication:
1. Introduction paragraph/s, to include relevance of the topic and a thesis statement;
2. Development of the thesis should be structured around 2-4 key points presented in an orderly fashion;
3. Sections and subtitles can be used to distinguish between the different points;
4. Analysis articles can situate the topic within relevant theoretical or analytical frameworks (literature review), but this should be short and written for a wider audience;