About the Journal

Dialectics – Submission Guidelines

About

Dialectics is the student-led journal of the Department of Political Science, St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Palai. It seeks to advance critical debates in political science, political theory, contemporary politics, and international relations. The journal provides a platform for students and early-career scholars to engage with the pressing political challenges of our times. By encouraging original, evidence-based, and analytically rigorous work, Dialectics aims to foster an intellectual community that critically examines state power, international institutions, global conflicts, and emerging political ideas.

Types of Submissions

Type

Description

Word Limit (inclusive)

Abstract

Keywords

Research Articles

Empirical or conceptual studies in Political Science, with emphasis on International Relations or contemporary issues. Submissions should demonstrate strong argumentation.

Minimum 2,000 words

Required (200 words)

4–6

Perspectives/Commentaries

Analytical reflections on urgent debates, policy shifts, regional conflicts, or global events. May also engage political discourse through philosophical or cultural critique.

Minimum 850 words

Required

4-6

Book Reviews

Reviews of recent works (published within the last 2 years) in Political Science, International Relations, or related fields. Only single-work reviews are accepted (comparative reviews will not be considered).

Minimum 800 words

Not required

Not required

Submission Requirements

Originality and Permissions

  • Submissions must be original and not under review elsewhere.
  • Authors are responsible for securing permissions for third-party content (e.g., images, data).

Formatting

  • File type: .doc or .docx
  • Language: UK English (e.g., labour, globalisation)
  • Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt, double-spaced
  • Structure: Title, Abstract (where applicable), Keywords, Main Text, References, Tables/Figures (maximum 2, with captions)
  • Use full year ranges (e.g., 2022–2023), double quotation marks for citations, and italics for emphasis.

Citation and Referencing

Style: APA (7th edition)

Example:

  • Book: Sen, A. (1999). Development as freedom. Oxford University Press.

  • In-text citation: (Sen, 1999, p. 132)

Manuscript Submission

Title Page (submitted separately)

  • Title of submission
  • Author name(s) and affiliation(s)
  • Short biography (max. 100 words per author)
  • Corresponding author’s contact details
  • Acknowledgements (if any)
  • Funding statement (if applicable)
  • Declaration of conflicts of interest
  • Ethics disclosures

Manuscript File

  • Fully anonymised (no author identifiers in text or metadata)
  • Editable Word document
  • Includes all required manuscript components (excluding identifying details)

Ethical Standards

All submissions must uphold academic integrity and ethical publishing practices. Authors are expected to:

  • Confirm originality and absence of plagiarism.
  • Disclose any use of AI tools in writing, data processing, or analysis.
  • Ensure ethical use of human participants or sensitive data (if applicable).
  • Declare any potential conflicts of interest.

Note: AI-generated content is not acceptable as part of submissions. The use of AI is permitted only in limited ways, such as for conceptual brainstorming, language refinement, or other minor technical assistance. AI may not substitute original intellectual contribution, and under no circumstances shall AI be credited with authorship or co-authorship.

Submission Process

Manuscripts should be submitted via email to: dialecticsdops@gmail.com

Contact

For editorial queries, book suggestions, or proposals for themed sections in Political Science and International Relations, please write to:

✉ dialecticsdops@gmail.com