The scientific journal Public Administration and State Security Aspects applies a double-anonymized peer review model: the identities of authors and reviewers remain mutually anonymous throughout the entire manuscript review process.
The editorial board adheres to the principles and recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
Manuscript Review Stages
1
Initial editorial check (up to 14 days)
The editorial board verifies whether the manuscript falls within the journal's scope, complies with formatting requirements, and contains all mandatory elements. Manuscripts that do not meet the requirements are returned to the authors without peer review.
2
Plagiarism check
All manuscripts undergo a check for textual borrowings. An unacceptable level of similarity constitutes grounds for rejection without peer review.
3
Reviewer assignment
The handling editor assigns no fewer than two independent reviewers with relevant scholarly expertise. Reviewers may not be affiliated with the authors' institutions.
4
Peer review (21–30 days)
The reviewer provides a recommendation according to one of the following outcomes:
› accept without changes
› accept after minor revisions
› accept after major revisions (with re-review)
› reject
5
Revision
Authors receive the reviews and are required to respond to each comment. In the case of major revisions, the manuscript undergoes re-review.
6
Final decision
The editor-in-chief makes the final decision based on the reviewers' conclusions. The editorial decision is independent and may not be influenced by financial or other considerations.
Review Timelines
| Stage |
Indicative timeframe |
| Initial check |
up to 14 days |
| First review round |
21–45 days from submission |
| Total time to decision |
no more than 90 days |
Each published article includes the date of submission, the date of acceptance, and the date of publication.
Reviewer Requirements
Reviewers are scholars holding an academic degree and possessing publications in the relevant field. A reviewer is obliged to decline the assignment if they:
› are in an administrative or professional subordinate relationship with the author(s)
› have any other conflict of interest
Reviewers are prohibited from requesting that authors cite specific works without scholarly justification.
Manuscripts from Editorial Board Members
Manuscripts submitted by the editor-in-chief or members of the editorial board are handled by an independent handling editor. The person who submitted the manuscript takes no part in any stage of its review.
