In Briefs are short, topical, newsworthy papers, which are intended to be academic and evidence-based works, rather than opinion pieces. They are blind and double peer reviewed. They must be only 1,400 words in total (including endnotes and references). Authors are encouraged to keep references to a minimum. We welcome ‘miniseries’ submissions, where several In Briefs explore a particular theme or concept from different angles. In Briefs are registered with the following ISSN: 2209-9557 (Print) and 2209-9549 (Online). For more detailed information, see the Notes for authors and Notes for reviewers.
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Since 1996, the Department of Pacific Affairs (DPA, formerly known as State, Society and Governance in Melanesia – SSGM), has produced over 500 research publications across various publications series. These include the In Brief series, the Discussion Paper series, the Working Paper series, the Policy Brief series and research reports. DPA publishes books and book manuscripts, often in collaboration with ANU Press. Through our research publications, DPA seeks to address topics of interest to a wide audience of academics, policymakers and others interested in governance, state and society in the Pacific. Discipline areas include, but are not limited to, political science, anthropology, geography, human geography, law, gender studies, development studies and international relations.
All DPA publications are publicly available online, free of charge and in perpetuity, through the ANU Open Research Repository (ANUORR). Since the ANUORR was launched in 2012, SSGM/DPA Publications have been read or downloaded from this site over 100,000 times. Submissions to DPA’s Publications series must be referenced in accordance with the DPA Editorial Style Guide. All publications should be submitted to publications.dpa@anu.edu.au.
Discussion Papers are intended to be academic and evidence-based works. They are blind and double peer reviewed. They must be between 8,000–12,000 words in total (including endnotes and references). Multiple author contributions that debate or present different sides of an issue are also welcomed. Discussion Papers reviewers are drawn from both the policy and academic community as appropriate. DPA Discussion Papers are registered with the following ISSN: 2209-9476 (Print) and 2209-9530 (Online).
From time to time, DPA publishes Policy Briefs to provide concise recommendations to address pressing policy issues. Length and structure can vary, however each Policy Brief includes policy recommendations. The word limit is flexible, although 5,000–10,000 words is given as a guide. DPA Policy Briefs are registered with the following ISSN: 2652-6247 (Online).
The DPA Working Paper series aims to make the latest research and ideas on the Pacific accessible to a wide audience in a timely way. Working Papers can present current research, report on a conference, or be written in response to contemporary Pacific affairs, for example. They can report on work in progress or introduce new areas ripe for research. Reflecting a diversity of voices on the region is an important consideration. Working papers are not subject to double blind peer review and the word limit is flexible, although 5,000–10,000 words is given as a guide.
DPA researchers investigate some of the most pressing development issues in the contemporary Pacific. DPA’s research framework prioritises study of the relationships between state structures and capabilities, society and societal transformations, and governance in the Pacific. DPA regularly publishes reports on research conducted by researchers at DPA and with partner agencies.
DPA produces a book series through ANU Press and we welcome submissions of either single-author monographs or edited collections for the series. Authors should discuss any potential submission with us and consult the ANU Press submission guidelines.