GNSI Publications

Decision Brief Publishing Requirements

The Global and National Security Institute (GNSI) provides actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national, and global levels. We focus on the critical intersection of security policy and technology.

As part of our mission, GNSI publishes Decision Briefs that address global or national security issues and highlight areas for policymakers to consider.

We are currently accepting Decision Brief submissions in the following focus areas:

  • Russia-Ukraine
  • Maritime Security
  • Natural Resources
  • Strategic Competition
  • Resilience and Resistance
  • Policy and Technology
  • Educating the Practitioner
  • Intelligence
  • Military and Society

If you're an expert in national security, whether from defense, government, military, academia or industry, we inite you to submit your ideas and work!

what is a decision brief?

Decision Briefs are concise analyses that provide decision-makers with enough information to make informed policy choices. Briefs are designed to be accessible, action-oriented, and timely. Here's a recent example of a GNSI Decision Brief.

submission guidelines

Template and Length

  • Authors will receive a Decision Brief template upon inquiry.
  • Final briefs should not exceed 2,400 words, including Decision Points, and endnotes.
  • For every image, chart, or graph included, subtract 150 words from the final copy.

Formatting Requirements

  • Failure to follow these formatting guidelines will result in the article being returned without review.
  • Submit your article as a Microsoft Word document.
  • Font: Times New Roman, 10 pt.
  • Write in a concise, active voice.
  • Avoid jargon; spell out or explain all abbreviations and acronyms.
  • Notations: only endnotes are utilized in Decision Briefs
  • The only formatting allowed is bold, italics and hyperlinks.

Content Requirements

  • Include Decision Points framed as open-ended questions for decision-makers:
    Example: How can the United States better prepare for early allied withdrawal from military operations in which there is little progress and high costs? (Decision Brief 24, Keeping Allies in the Fight: Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq)
  • Endnotes should be hyperlinked for easy reference and formatted according to the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS).

Additional Information Required

  • A clear title for your submission.
  • Two headline suggestions that describe your submission.
  • A list of related keywords.
  • An abstract, consisting of 2-3 sentences, summarizing your core argument/s.

 

additional information

Eligibility

We invite submission from national security practitioners, including:

  • Defense industry experts
  • Government officials
  • Military professionals
  • Academic scholars

Editorial Process

  • Up to four weeks:  Authors submit their Decision Brief and it is reviewed by the editorial team. If accepted, it is put through the full editorial process.
  • Two weeks: GNSI provides the first round of peer-review edits.
  • Two weeks: Author reviews comments and resubmits.
  • Two weeks: GNSI provides a second round of peer review edits (if needed).
  • One week: Author reviews comments and resubmits.

Style Guidelines
GNSI uses the Chicago Maual of Style (CMOS) for online publications. Please ensure to follow the additional recommendations:

  • Active voice writing is used.
  • Jargon is avoided.
  • Endnotes are properly hyperlinked.
  • Resources are also available in the Author's Toolkit (see below)

Author's Toolkit

Before You Start

  • Consider your audience: Decision-makers in government, military and industry.
  • Define your value: What should your audience know or act on after reading?
  • Focus your brief: Keep artuments clear, concise and actionable.

submission and review process

Review Process

  • Internal Review: all submissions undergo GNSI's internal review
  • Content Review: 1-2 rounds to strengthen arguments and clarity
  • Copy-Editing Review: ensures accuracy, consistency and adherence to style.
  • Final Publication Review: final feedback before the Brief is prepared for publication

Submission Process

Ready to get started? Please email us to confirm your topic alligns within our areas of focus and to receive your potential publication deadline. Send to:
GNSISubmissions@usf.edu

We're looking forward to working with you on your submission!