Editorial Governance and Independence

International Journal of Contemporary Security Studies (IJCSS) is published by the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Security Studies. The publisher supports the journal’s infrastructure and continuity while respecting editorial independence.

Independence and accountability

Editorial decisions are based on scholarly merit, relevance, methodological quality, ethics and the reliability of the record. Funding, institutional interests, personal relationships and political or commercial considerations must not determine decisions. The editorial leadership is responsible for consistent procedures, confidentiality, corrections and post-publication review.

Editorial roles

The Editor-in-Chief oversees editorial standards and final accountability. Associate and handling editors manage assigned manuscripts and obtain independent reviews. The Editorial Board advises on scope, quality, policy and international development. Managing and technical staff support workflow and production but do not determine scholarly acceptance.

Appointment and review

Editors and board members should be selected for subject expertise, research integrity, editorial competence, availability and contribution to disciplinary and geographical breadth. Responsibilities, performance and conflicts should be reviewed periodically. Appointments may end where duties are not fulfilled or conduct is inconsistent with journal standards.

Decision-making and confidentiality

Handling editors assess reviewer evidence and provide reasoned recommendations or decisions within their delegated authority. Disputed or exceptional cases may be referred to the Editor-in-Chief or an independent senior editor. Unpublished manuscripts, identities and deliberations remain confidential.

Submissions from Editors and Editorial Board Members

A submission by an editor, board member, publisher employee or close colleague is assigned to an independent editor with no relevant conflict. The author has no access to reviewer identities, reports, internal discussion or decision controls beyond the access available to any author. An author must never select reviewers, manage or supervise review, or decide on their own work. If the Editor-in-Chief is an author, an independent senior editor assumes full responsibility and the Editor-in-Chief is recused from all editorial access and discussion.

Conflicts and post-publication duties

Any conflicted editor must recuse themselves and record the reassignment. Editorial responsibility continues after publication through the assessment of corrections, complaints, concerns and possible retractions.

Questions

Contact the journal through its Contact page.

Effective date: 22 July 2026
Last updated: 22 July 2026