Policy Bylines
Atlantic Council: Submission Guidelines
The Atlantic Council publishes issue briefs and blogs of 800-2,000 words on transatlantic and security topics, pitched center by center.
About Atlantic Council
The Atlantic Council is a Washington-based think tank focused on transatlantic relations and international security, publishing through regional and topical centers.
Topics they accept
Atlantic Council accepts external contributions on transatlantic relations and international security. If your piece sits at the edge of these areas, frame the pitch around the overlap rather than the exception — editors commission what they can place in an existing coverage line.
Formats
The outlet primarily publishes issue briefs and blog posts. Match the format to the argument: a single sharp claim belongs in the shortest format the outlet runs, while a piece that needs evidence laid out in sequence belongs in the longer one.
Length requirements
Typical length: 800-2,000 words. Treat this as the range editors expect to edit, not a hard ceiling. If your draft runs long, cut background before you cut evidence.
Response time
Reported response time: Varies — check their guidelines page. Response windows are typical ranges reported by contributors, not guarantees. If the window passes, one short follow-up note is professional; more than one is pushy.
What editors look for
- Pitch the center, not the institution: each regional and topical center runs its own editorial line, so find the one that owns your topic.
- A transatlantic angle strengthens almost any pitch here, even when the story is regional.
- Close with recommendations a practitioner could act on — the house style is policy-relevant, not academic.
How to submit
Submission routes change from time to time, so always start from the outlet's own website: look for a "Submissions", "Write for us", or "Guidelines" page and follow the current instructions there. Read three or four recent pieces in your topic area before you draft, so tone, depth, and paragraph style match the house.
Looking for a home for tech-policy commentary? Strategic Insight Institute is currently accepting pitches — see the submission guidelines.
Ready to submit?
Review current contributor priorities and contact details on the main site before you pitch.
Submit your work