Contribute to the discussion…

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Line of Defence is a forum for rigorous, informed, and constructive examination of the issues shaping Aotearoa New Zealand’s defence and national security environment. We prioritise content that offers insight, challenges assumptions, and advances understanding within the sector.

We welcome contributions from practitioners, policymakers, academics, and industry professionals with relevant expertise. We prioritise content that addresses high-consequence issues and provides practical or strategic insight. Contributors are expected to:

• Provide original, well-reasoned analysis grounded in experience, evidence, or research
• Focus on issues of strategic, operational, or policy relevance to New Zealand and the wider Indo-Pacific
• Avoid promotional or marketing-driven content presented as editorial
• Clearly articulate arguments and support claims with appropriate context or references where necessary
• Disclose any conflicts of interest, including commercial or organisational affiliations relevant to the subject matter

Line of Defence maintains a professional, analytical tone. Contributions should:

• Be written in clear, accessible language suitable for a professional audience
• Avoid unnecessary jargon while maintaining subject-matter rigour
• Engage constructively with differing viewpoints
• Refrain from partisan political advocacy or personal criticism

We publish content across a range of areas, including:

• Defence policy and capability
• National security strategy
• Military operations and doctrine
• Defence industry and capability development
• Regional and global security dynamics
• Emerging technologies and their implications for security

Shape informed analysis on the issues defining New Zealand’s defence and national security.

Prospective contributors are encouraged to submit either a short pitch or a completed draft.

Step 1 — Pitch (recommended)
Submit a brief outline (50–150 words) including:

• Topic and angle
• Key argument or insight
• Brief author bio

Step 2 — Editorial Review
The editorial team will review pitches in accordance with our Editorial Policy and respond within 5 working days. If accepted, contributors will be invited to submit a full article.

Step 3 — Draft Submission
Full articles should be submitted in Word format, accompanied by:

• Author name, title, and affiliation
• Any relevant disclosures
• Suggested headline (optional)

Step 4 — Editing and Publication
Accepted articles will undergo editorial review and may be returned with suggested revisions. Final publication timing will depend on the editorial schedule.

As a guide, we accept:

• Short analysis / commentary: 500 words
• Standard feature articles: 1,000–1,500 words
• In-depth analysis / long-form: 2,000–3,000 words

Longer submissions may be considered where warranted by the subject matter.

• Pitch response: 5 working days
• Review of full draft: 10 working days
• Publication timing: typically within 2-3 weeks of acceptance

Contributors will be advised of expected publication timing once a submission is accepted.

All submissions are subject to editorial review. The editorial team reserves the right to:

• Edit submissions for clarity, length, and style
• Request revisions where necessary
• Decline publication where content does not meet editorial standards or align with the publication’s purpose

Publication is at the discretion of the editor.

Contributors retain responsibility for the views expressed in their work. Unless otherwise stated, opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Line of Defence or Defsec New Zealand.

Line of Defence is committed to fostering informed, credible, and independent discussion on defence and national security. Contributors play a central role in maintaining this standard.

To submit a pitch or draft, email: editor@defsec.net.nz