Dispatch
300 to 900 words. A quick take on a development in the news: what happened, why it matters for Pakistan, and what to watch next.
Get involved
Write for CUPA
The Centre publishes short, sourced analysis of US policy wherever it meets Pakistan’s interests. If you have an argument that readers in Washington, Islamabad and beyond should hear, pitch it to us.
What we publish
Commentary
1,000 to 1,800 words. An argued piece of analysis on a question of policy, with sources for every claim of fact.
Policy brief
2,000 to 4,000 words. A focused study of one policy problem, ending with recommendations addressed to named decision-makers.
Editorial standards
- Original and unpublished. Pieces must not have appeared elsewhere, in print or online, in any language.
- Sourced. Every claim of fact needs a source a reader can check: official documents, data, reporting or research.
- Fair. Represent the views you disagree with accurately. We publish argument, not attacks on people.
- Disclosed. Tell us about any employment, funding or affiliation a reader would consider relevant.
- Clear. Write for an informed general reader. Explain terms and abbreviations on first use.
From pitch to publication
Pitch
Send a short pitch with a working title. A full draft is welcome but not required.
Decision
An editor replies once the pitch has been considered. We cannot always give detailed feedback.
Editing
Commissioned pieces are edited for clarity, sourcing and length, and you approve the final text.
Publication
The piece is published under your name, with a short bio, and shared through the Centre’s channels.
Academic research
Academic research articles go to the CUPA journal, which has its own peer-review process: see the journal and its submission guidelines. For the house style used across the Centre’s publications, read the publication guidelines.
Questions and answers
Do you pay contributors?
Contributions are unpaid unless the Centre agrees otherwise in writing before you start.
Can I pitch a piece already published elsewhere?
No. We publish original work only.
How long will I wait for an answer?
We aim to reply to every pitch, but timely pieces are prioritised. If a pitch is time-sensitive, say so.
Can I write under a pseudonym?
Only in exceptional cases where publishing under your name would put you at risk. Explain the reason in your pitch.
Pitch a piece
Tell us the argument, why it matters and why you are the person to write it. A draft is welcome but not required. Fields marked with an asterisk are required.