The Diplomat: Submission Guidelines

About The Diplomat

The Diplomat is an international affairs magazine focused on the Asia-Pacific region, publishing analysis and features from outside contributors.

Topics they accept

The Diplomat accepts external contributions on geopolitics, with a strong Asia-Pacific angle. 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 analysis and features. 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: 800-1,200 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 1 week. 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

• Anchor the piece in the region: even global topics need a clear Asia-Pacific angle to land here.
• State the argument in the opening two sentences — the short format leaves no room for throat-clearing.
• The fast response window makes this a good first target for time-sensitive commentary.

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.