IJLSS
Published by The Hague International Centre for Law and Strategic Studies (HILC)
Inaugural Volume · Vol. 1 · 2026 · Now Accepting Submissions
A peer-reviewed, open-access journal advancing scholarship in international law, strategic studies, and global governance — publishing original research by scholars and practitioners worldwide.
About the Journal
Vision: To become a leading global platform for the publication of high-quality legal and strategic scholarship that informs policy, advances justice, and bridges academic inquiry with real-world practice.
Mission: To advance scientific knowledge by publishing original, peer-reviewed research that contributes to the development of law, strategic studies, and public policy, with a commitment to open access, scholarly integrity, and international diversity.
The International Journal of Law and Strategic Studies (IJLSS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access publication of The Hague International Centre for Law and Strategic Studies (HILC). The journal publishes original research articles, case commentaries, review articles, and policy analyses at the intersection of international law, strategic policy, and global governance.
All submissions undergo double-blind peer review by independent international reviewers, ensuring the highest standards of scholarly integrity. IJLSS follows COPE guidelines for publication ethics and is committed to providing free global access to all published research.
Call for Papers — Vol.1 Issue 1
Volume 1, Issue 1 (2026) — Now Open
We invite original research in all areas of international law and strategic studies. 8–12 week review. Open access publication with DOI.
Issues & Archive
Volume 1, Issue 1 (2026)
Inaugural Issue · International Law & Strategic Studies
Research Article
Sample Author · University of International Law
Policy Analysis
Sample Author · Institute of Strategic Studies
IJLSS is currently accepting submissions for Volume 1, Issue 1 (2026). We welcome original research in all areas of international law and strategic studies.
Submit a Manuscript →Editorial Scope
IJLSS welcomes original research across all fields of law and strategic studies. The following represents the journal's primary areas, though submissions addressing related or emerging fields are also considered.
For Authors
Online Submission
Complete the form below to submit your manuscript. You will receive an acknowledgement email with your reference number within 48 hours. All fields marked (*) are required.
Ensure your manuscript is fully anonymised before submission. Author details must appear on a separate title page only. Submissions not meeting IJLSS guidelines may be returned without review.
You will be redirected to our secure submission system (OJS). By submitting, you confirm originality, exclusivity, ethical compliance, and that all co-authors have approved submission. IJLSS follows COPE guidelines.
✓ Your manuscript has been successfully submitted to IJLSS.
You will receive an acknowledgement with your reference number within 48 hours.
Editorial decision within 8–12 weeks. Thank you for submitting to IJLSS.
Article Processing Charge
IJLSS is committed to open access. The following APC policy applies:
2026 — Inaugural Year
USD 0 / article
No charge for all articles accepted in Volume 1 (2026). IJLSS waives all fees during the inaugural year to support scholars worldwide.
2027 — Established
USD 150 / article
Standard APC for authors with institutional funding. Full waivers available for researchers from developing countries.
Waiver Policy
100% waiver
Full waivers granted to authors from low-income countries (World Bank classification) and HILC-affiliated researchers.
Leadership
Editor-in-Chief
Dr. Le Blanc
Editor-in-Chief
The Hague International Centre for Law and Strategic Studies (HILC)
Publishing Institution
Dr. Ali Saleh Al-Fakir
Founding Publisher
Executive Director & CEO, HILC — The Hague International Centre for Law and Strategic Studies
Associate Editors
Positions to be Filled
IJLSS is forming its International Advisory Board (15–25 members) and Reviewer Panel. We seek distinguished scholars from Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America in international law, strategic studies, and related fields.
Express Interest →Publication Ethics
IJLSS is committed to the highest standards of publication ethics. The journal adheres to the following internationally recognised frameworks:
Review Process
IJLSS operates a rigorous double-blind peer review process. Both authors and reviewers remain anonymous throughout the review. All manuscripts are reviewed by at least two independent international experts.
Upon submission, authors receive an automatic acknowledgement with a reference number. The Editorial Office conducts an initial check for compliance with submission guidelines (format, word count, anonymisation).
All manuscripts are screened using industry-standard plagiarism detection software. Manuscripts exceeding the 15% similarity threshold are returned to authors without proceeding to peer review.
The Editor-in-Chief or a designated Associate Editor conducts a preliminary assessment of the manuscript's scope, originality, and scholarly merit. Manuscripts not meeting minimum standards may be desk-rejected at this stage.
Manuscripts passing editorial assessment are assigned to at least two independent peer reviewers with relevant expertise. Reviewers are selected from IJLSS's international reviewer panel and external experts, with strict conflict-of-interest checks.
Reviewers evaluate the manuscript using IJLSS's structured review form, assessing: originality, methodology, argumentation, clarity, contribution to the field, and compliance with citation standards. Reviewers have 4 weeks to complete their report.
Upon receipt of reviewer reports, the Editor-in-Chief makes a final decision. Authors are notified within 8–12 weeks of submission with a decision and reviewer comments.
Authors of manuscripts requiring revision must submit a revised manuscript with a detailed response letter addressing each reviewer comment. Major revisions may undergo a second round of review.
Accepted manuscripts are copyedited and typeset. Proofs are sent to the corresponding author for final approval. The article is then assigned a DOI and published open access on the IJLSS website.
Possible Outcomes
Manuscript accepted for publication with minor or no changes.
Accepted subject to minor revisions. No second review required.
Substantial revision required. Revised manuscript may undergo second review.
Manuscript does not meet IJLSS standards. Resubmission not invited.
Visibility & Reach
IJLSS is committed to maximising the visibility and impact of all published research. The journal is pursuing indexing in leading academic databases through a structured multi-phase roadmap.
Phase 1 — Launch (2026)
Phase 2 — Year 1–2
Phase 3 — Year 2–3
Phase 4 — Long-term
Get in Touch
Join an international community of legal scholars and strategic analysts. Submit your research to be published open access with a registered DOI.