Submission Guidelines

We seek original ideas and analyses on topics of international politics and world affairs, particularly from a realist perspective or addressing realist concerns. We have no fixed "format" in the sense of a style guide, but we expect prospective authors to have familiarized themselves with the magazine and to have a sense for the ongoing conversations within them; to know how questions are framed and what previous authors have said (or not said) about the subject at hand. This last point is especially critical. Authors submitting manuscripts or proposals dealing with topics covered in the magazine should be aware of the arguments presented by their predecessors and either address those arguments or break new ground.We are happy to consider manuscripts or to entertain proposals, for essays between 2,000 and 5,000 words in length, for the print version of the magazine; and between 500 and 1,500 words for the online edition. Please note, we will not consider any of the following: unsolicited book review essays; any essay that has already been published in whole or part in English; or any essay that has been submitted to, and is under consideration at, another publication.The National Interest respects the scholarly canon in all of its aspects, but it is not an academic journal. We therefore advise potential authors to avoid extensive literature reviews and commentary on the work of others in favor of making one's own points and case. We encourage authors to provide full sourcing for their work, but we keep footnoting to a minimum in published form (generally limited to direct quotes and statements or facts that might otherwise be challenged without proof).Essays may be submitted by mail, fax, or e-mail attachment. Please direct submissions to: Submissions Editor, The National Interest 1025 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20036. e-mail: editor (at) nationalinterest.org - Please put "Submission" in the subject line.Due to the high volume of manuscript submissions, and in keeping with our editorial practice of reading all submissions (that meet our criteria), we can only acknowledge receipt of submissions. We cannot provide editorial advice or comments. Please give the editors three weeks from the time the acknowledgement of receipt was made in which to evaluate manuscripts or proposals. The editors will contact authors directly ONLY if the magazine intends to initiate a discussion about possible publication. If you do not receive such confirmation after the three week period, you are free to take your manuscript for placement to another journal.