How to Submit: CIAWC Papers & Series Guidelines
The CIAWC aims to tap into Northeastern’s network of undergraduate and graduate students to help shed light on today’s global challenges and discover innovative answers to growing foreign policy concerns that the world may confront. View information on our series below.
World Cultures Explainer Series
The World Cultures Explainer series invites applicants to submit a clear and accurate account or brief history of a current issue/event related to a region of the world or a particular country. Essays should be 2,000-2,500 words. After a competitive selection process, authors of essays selected for publication will receive a gift card.
Style Guide for CIAWC Papers
- Each submission should start with a brief executive summary (3-5 sentences) that clearly states the problem being evaluated and the solution being offered.
- Each submission should have a title.
- Each submission should be formatted with 12-point font, basic margins. Other than student name, all other personal information should be removed. Faculty names/course numbers are OK (per instructor approval).
- See call for papers for specific word counts.
- Papers should be well-edited; all relevant materials appropriately cited.
- We may ask that selected essays be edited or reformatted to fit CIAWC website needs. Students will also be asked to submit a photo and brief bio.
Interested in submitting? How to apply:
Students should submit their world explainers to their professors. The professors will then forward the briefs to our Administrative Coordinator, Diana Atoui ([email protected]). Professors may also nominate papers for submission. The CIAWC will review all submitted papers and select the top papers for publication. The selected papers will be featured on our website, along with the authors’ photos and brief biographies. The Fall 2025 submission deadline has passed. Stay tuned for more info to come on the next submission deadline.
Call for Papers
The CIAWC invites submissions from current undergraduate students and master’s students studying in any field or major at Northeastern University.
Please refer to the Center’s list of potential topics, or feel free to submit your own.
Examples:
- What is Hamas?
- What is the International Court of Justice?
- Why is there an economic crisis in Venezuela?
- What is Artificial Intelligence?
- Who are Iran’s Revolutionary Guards?
International Affairs Policy Brief Series
The International Affairs Policy Brief series program allows applicants to put their academic expertise to the test by translating it into policy language and insights. Applicants are invited to submit 2,000-2,500 word policy briefs analyzing a current issue and providing policy recommendations. Selected authors will receive a gift card.
2025-2026 International Affairs Policy Briefs
Policy Brief by Cristel Torres
Policy Brief by Brooke Rhodes
Policy Brief by Benjamin Levinson
Style Guide for CIAWC Papers
- Each submission should start with a brief executive summary (3-5 sentences) that clearly states the problem being evaluated and the solution being offered.
- Each submission should have a title.
- Each submission should be formatted with 12-point font, basic margins. Other than student name, all other personal information should be removed. Faculty names/course numbers are OK (per instructor approval).
- See call for papers for specific word counts.
- Papers should be well-edited; all relevant materials appropriately cited.
- We may ask that winning essays be edited or reformatted to fit CIAWC website needs. Students will also be asked to submit a photo and brief bio.
Interested in participating? How to apply:
Students should submit their policy briefs to their professors. The professors will then nominate select briefs to our Administrative Coordinator, Diana Atoui ([email protected]). After review, the CIAWC will select the top papers for publication and to be featured on our website, along with the authors’ photos and brief biographies. The Fall 2025 submission deadline has passed.
The CIAWC invites submissions from current undergraduate students and master’s students studying in any field or major at Northeastern University.
Please refer to the Center’s list of potential topics, or feel free to submit your own.
Examples:
Global Climate Change Policy and International Cooperation
- Evaluating the effectiveness of international climate agreements like the Paris Agreement and proposing new policy solutions for global climate action.
AI and Ethics: Developing Global Standards
- Investigating the need for international guidelines on AI ethics, focusing on privacy, security, and equitable access.
Global Refugee Crisis and International Responsibility
- Exploring how countries can collaborate to address the growing refugee crisis, with a focus on humanitarian aid and resettlement policies.
Cybersecurity and International Relations
- Proposing global frameworks for cybersecurity cooperation to prevent cyber-attacks and mitigate digital threats.
Geopolitical Impacts of the Ukraine Conflict
- Analyzing how the Ukraine conflict affects global security and alliances, and proposing strategies for international diplomatic responses.