Policy Bylines
Modern War Institute: Submission Guidelines
Modern War Institute accepts analysis of 1,000-1,800 words on land warfare and defense, with a typical two-week response time.
About Modern War Institute
Based in the United States, the Modern War Institute studies land warfare and contemporary defense issues, and it publishes analysis from researchers and practitioners.
Topics they accept
Modern War Institute accepts outside contributions on land warfare and defense. If your piece sits at the edge of those areas, frame the pitch around the overlap: editors commission what fits a coverage line they already run.
Formats
The outlet publishes analysis. Match the format to the argument: a single sharp claim fits the shortest format the outlet runs, and a piece that needs evidence laid out in sequence fits the longer one.
Length requirements
Typical length: 1,000-1,800 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: about 2 weeks. These windows are typical ranges contributors report, not guarantees. If the window passes, one short follow-up note is professional; more than one is pushy.
What editors look for
- Ground the argument in operational or organizational reality, such as doctrine, training, or procurement, rather than abstract strategy.
- Historical cases work when they answer a current question. Make the contemporary relevance explicit in the opening.
- Keep the piece self-contained: a reader outside your specialty should follow it without chasing footnotes.
How to submit
Submission routes change from time to time, so 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.
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