As a reviewer for the Global Strategic & Security Studies Review (GSSSR), you play a crucial role in ensuring the quality, relevance, and integrity of the research published in our journal. Below are your key responsibilities
- Offer an objective and unbiased evaluation of the manuscript.
- Base your review solely on the content of the manuscript, without allowing personal biases or any external factors (e.g., nationality, gender, institution, etc.) to influence your judgment.
- Treat the manuscript as a confidential document. Do not share its contents with anyone outside the editorial team, including colleagues or students.
- Avoid discussing the manuscript outside the formal review process and never use information gained from the review for personal advantage.
- Immediately notify the editorial office if you have any conflict of interest, whether personal, financial, or professional, that could affect your ability to review the manuscript impartially.
- If you feel you are unable to provide an objective review, please decline the review request.
- Assess the manuscript for its relevance, originality, and contribution to the field of social sciences.
- Provide feedback on the following aspects:
- Research design and methodology: Are the methods appropriate and clearly outlined?
- Data and analysis: Is the data sufficient, accurate, and well-analyzed?
- Interpretation and conclusions: Are the conclusions supported by the data?
- Clarity and coherence: Is the manuscript well-written and logically structured?
- Report any concerns regarding ethical issues, such as plagiarism, duplicate publication, data fabrication, or inappropriate research practices.
- GSSSR follows a plagiarism threshold of 10 percent. Inform the editorial team if you suspect any form of academic dishonesty.
- Offer constructive and actionable comments aimed at improving the manuscript.
- Avoid vague or overly critical remarks. Suggestions should be specific and helpful.
- Ensure that your feedback is respectful and professional in tone, even if significant revisions are required.
- Submit your review within the agreed deadline (typically 2–4 weeks). If more time is needed, inform the editorial office as soon as possible.
- Timely reviews are essential to maintaining the efficiency and integrity of the peer review process.
- Uphold the double-blind review process, ensuring that neither the author nor the reviewer knows each other’s identity.
- Refrain from including any personal information that could reveal your identity in the review comments.
- Based on your assessment, make a clear recommendation:
- Accept: The manuscript is suitable for publication as is or with minor changes.
- Revise: The manuscript requires major or minor revisions before it can be accepted.
- Reject: The manuscript does not meet GSSSR’s standards or is not suitable for publication.
- Provide a rationale for your recommendation, supported by clear evidence from the manuscript.
- Be willing to review revised versions of the manuscript if the authors are asked to make major changes.
- Ensure that the authors have satisfactorily addressed your comments and made the necessary revisions.
- Treat the authors with respect, regardless of the manuscript’s quality.
- Avoid making personal or derogatory comments in your review.