Special Issues, Thematic Collections and Guest Editors Policy

International Journal of Contemporary Security Studies (IJCSS) may publish special issues or thematic collections that advance coherent, timely and methodologically sound scholarship within the journal’s scope.

Proposal and approval

A proposal must define the theme, scholarly rationale, proposed timetable, intended article types, guest-editor expertise and potential conflicts of interest. Approval rests with the Editor-in-Chief and does not guarantee acceptance of any manuscript.

Editorial responsibility

The Editor-in-Chief retains responsibility for journal standards, appointments and final oversight. Guest editors coordinate scholarly development and may recommend reviewers, but may not alter journal policies, promise acceptance or make decisions where they have a conflict.

Peer review

Every research manuscript undergoes the journal’s normal double-anonymous review by at least two suitably qualified reviewers. Selection criteria, ethics checks and decision standards are the same as for regular submissions.

Conflicts and independence

Guest editors must disclose financial, institutional, professional and personal interests. Their own submissions, submissions from close collaborators, and manuscripts presenting another relevant conflict are handled by an independent editor. Guest editors have no access to confidential processing of their own work.

Transparency and balance

Calls for papers must state the scope, deadlines and review process accurately. Collections should avoid inappropriate concentration of articles from guest editors, a single institution or a closed network. Commissioned work remains subject to editorial assessment and peer review where applicable.

Discontinuation

IJCSS may discontinue or reassign a collection when quality, integrity, timeliness or conflicts cannot be managed. Accepted articles may be published in a regular issue where appropriate.

Questions

Proposals and questions should be submitted through the journal’s Contact page.

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