Policy Briefs & Practitioner Commentaries Guidelines

The journal encourages submissions of Policy Briefs and Practitioner Commentaries that offer insightful and practical perspectives on contemporary issues in international relations, governance, and development. These contributions are valuable in scholarly discourse because they provide a grounded perspective on how theories and research can be applied in real-world contexts, helping to inform both practice and further research.

1. Policy Brief

A Policy Brief is a concise document that presents research findings and recommendations aimed at addressing a specific policy issue. It is designed to inform policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders about the implications of research in a clear and accessible manner. Unlike full research articles, policy briefs are shorter and more focused on actionable insights, often with practical orientation.

A policy brief typically includes:

  • Problem Identification: A clear description of the policy issue or challenge being addressed.
  • Key Findings: A summary of the relevant research or evidence that informs the policy issue, highlighting the most critical points.
  • Recommendations: Practical, evidence-based suggestions for policy changes or actions that can address the issue.
  • Contextual Information: Background information to help the reader understand the broader context of the issue, such as related policies or trends.
  • Audience Focus: Written in non-technical language to ensure that policymakers, who may not be experts in the field, can easily understand and apply the recommendations.

Structure and Content

  • Title: A clear and informative title that reflects the main issue or recommendation.
  • Abstract: The Abstract should not exceed 200 words and should be structured with Background, Analysis, and Policy Implications. Please minimize the use of abbreviations and do not cite references in the abstract.
  • Keywords: Three to six keywords representing the main content of the article.
  • Background: This section should introduce the topic, summary of a search of the existing literature and the issue under discussion.
  • Analysis: Provide a succinct analysis based on research or data, summarising the key points. This section should highlight the evidence and any trends, challenges, or opportunities related to the issue.
  • Policy Recommendations: Offer specific, practical policy options or actions that can be implemented. Recommendations should be realistic, feasible, and supported by the analysis presented.
  • Conclusion: Summarise the policy brief’s key points and reinforce the recommendations.
  • References: Provide a short list of relevant references, using APA 7th edition style.

Length

Policy briefs should be between 1,500 and 2,500 words, excluding references.

Tone and Style

Policy briefs should be clear, concise, and solution-oriented. The language should be accessible to a broad audience, including policymakers, scholars, and practitioners. Avoid technical jargon and use data visualisations, such as charts or graphs, to support your arguments where necessary.

2. Practitioner Commentaries

A Practitioner Commentary is a type of scholarly contribution that offers insights, reflections, critiques or analysis from the perspective of a practitioner—a practitioner in the field of international relations, diplomacy, governance, or development or related fields. These commentaries provide firsthand insights, draw on personal experience, and contribute to a practical understanding of ongoing debates or challenges.

Practitioner Commentary typically includes:

  • Practical Insights: Personal experiences or observations from the practitioner's work, providing a grounded, real-world perspective on relevant issues.
  • Application of Theory: Discussion of how academic theories, models, or research findings apply (or fail to apply) in practical settings, offering a bridge between theory and practice.
  • Challenges and Opportunities: Reflections on current challenges in the practitioner's field, as well as opportunities for improvement, innovation, or policy change.
  • Recommendations: Practical suggestions based on the practitioner's experiences, often aimed at other practitioners, policymakers, or academics looking to understand the practical implications of their work.
  • Audience Focus: Typically written in accessible language, practitioner commentaries aim to reach both professionals in the field and academics, offering practical relevance and actionable insights.

Structure and Content

  • Title: A succinct title that encapsulates the main theme or insight.
  • Introduction: Outline the issue or challenge being addressed, including its significance in a real-world context.
  • Personal Perspective: The core of the commentary, where practitioners share their experiences, observations, and lessons learned. This can include reflections on a particular case, project, or trend, and should be grounded in professional practice.
  • Analysis and Discussion: Discuss the broader implications of the personal experience or case presented. How does it relate to current debates or theoretical frameworks within the field?
  • Conclusion: Provide final thoughts on the issue, along with recommendations for practitioners or policymakers.
  • References (optional): If citing specific reports, data, or other works, include a reference list in APA 7th edition style.

Length

Practitioner commentaries should be between 1,000 and 2,000 words.

Tone and Style

These commentaries should be reflective, engaging, and practitioner-focused. While grounded in experience, the commentary should be analytical, providing practical takeaways for the broader community of professionals, policymakers, and scholars.

3. Submission Guidelines

  • All submissions must adhere to APA 7th edition referencing style.
  • Manuscripts should be submitted as Microsoft Word documents (.docx) using 12-point Times New Roman font.
  • Submissions should include an author biography (100-150 words) and contact information.
  • Submit all materials via our online submission portal.

For further queries or clarifications, please contact our editorial team at jips@uit.ac.ma