Policy Bylines
RUSI: Submission Guidelines
RUSI accepts commentary of 800-1,200 words on defense and sanctions, with response times that vary by publication channel.
About RUSI
The Royal United Services Institute is a UK defense and security think tank. Its research covers defense policy, sanctions, and financial crime.
Topics they accept
RUSI publishes external contributions on defense and sanctions. If your piece sits at the edge of these areas, frame the pitch around the overlap. Editors commission what they can place in a coverage line they already run.
Formats
The outlet runs commentary and reports. Match the format to the argument: a single sharp claim fits the shortest format it runs, and a piece that needs evidence laid out in sequence fits the longer one.
Length requirements
Typical length: 800-1,200 words. That is the range editors expect to work within. If your draft runs long, cut background before you cut evidence.
Response time
Reported response time: Varies; check their guidelines page. The windows come from contributor reports and are estimates. If the window passes, send one short follow-up note. More than one reads as pushy.
What editors look for
- A UK or allied angle helps even on global topics. Show why the issue matters to British or allied policy.
- Sanctions and illicit-finance work is a strength of the outlet, and editors welcome technical detail on enforcement.
- Commentary runs short and pointed: open with the judgment, then spend the body defending it.
How to submit
Submission routes change, so start from the outlet's own website: find its "Submissions", "Write for us", or "Guidelines" page and follow the current instructions there. Before drafting, read three or four recent pieces in your topic area so tone, depth, and paragraph style match the house.
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