Young Central’s Publication Guidelines

General Standards

• Submissions must be original works not previously published elsewhere.

• Articles must be academic in tone, grounded in evidence and analysis, not personal opinion.

• Young Central is a nonpartisan and non-advocacy platform — submissions should refrain from promoting political, ideological, or religious agendas.

• All submissions undergo editorial review prior to publication to ensure alignment with our mission and quality standards.

• Authors must be willing to have their article transformed into other formats by the Young Central Editorial Board, including but not limited to podcast and video formats. 

Scope and Subject Areas

Articles must address one or more of the following topics:

• Public Policy and Governance – domestic or international analysis of laws, institutions, and reforms.

• Artificial Intelligence and Technology – regulation, ethics, and societal impact of AI and digital innovation.

• International Human Rights Law – treaties, enforcement mechanisms, and emerging global standards.

• Conflict and Security – peacebuilding, international conflict, and post-conflict justice.

• Crime and Justice Systems – comparative criminal law, accountability, and systemic reform.

• Social Justice and Equality – issues relating to equity, inclusion, and protection of marginalized communities.

Analytical Approach

Each article must include a clear, structured analysis supported by credible evidence. Authors should:

• Present a central question, thesis, or analytical argument.

• Support claims with empirical data, legal precedent, academic research, or verified reporting.

• Incorporate multiple perspectives where relevant to avoid bias.

• Conclude with a balanced synthesis rather than advocacy or opinion-based commentary.

Citations and Sources

All factual claims, statistics, and legal or policy references must be supported by verifiable primary sources.

Acceptable Primary Sources Include:

• Official government documents, legislation, and policy papers

• Court rulings, legal judgments, and international conventions

• Reports and datasets from intergovernmental organizations (e.g., UN, World Bank, OECD, WHO)

• Peer-reviewed academic studies and legal journals

• Direct interviews or firsthand data collection (clearly disclosed)

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Secondary Sources:

Secondary sources (such as media reports or think tank analyses) may be used only to complement or contextualize primary data, not as substitutes for it.

Citation Format

• Use APA or Chicago style consistently.

• Hyperlinks are acceptable when they lead directly to the cited source.

• AI-generated text or data must be explicitly disclosed and verified for factual accuracy.

Style and Formatting

• Length: 1,200–2,500 words (exceptions may be considered for exceptional analyses).

• Structure: Use clear headings and subheadings.

• Language: Formal, concise, and free of emotive or persuasive language.

• Tone: Academic and neutral, accessible to an informed general audience.

• Author Bio: Include a brief (up to 100 words) biography and institutional or professional affiliation.

Submission and Review Process

• Submit articles in .docx or Google Docs format to the editorial team at editorial@youngcentral.org.

• Articles undergo fact-checking, citation verification, and editorial review.

• Authors may be asked to revise based on feedback.

• Final publication approval lies with Young Central’s editorial board.

Ethical and Legal Compliance

• All work must comply with academic integrity and copyright standards.

• Plagiarism, data manipulation, or unverified claims will result in immediate rejection.

• Authors are responsible for ensuring compliance with ethical research and reporting standards, particularly in sensitive or conflict-related subjects.