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Issue Briefs & Commentaries

Briefs and Commentaries Guidance:  Policy for Issue Briefs & Commentaries  

Briefs and Commentaries Submission Dates: December 20th & May 15th 

Briefs & Commentaries Main Page

Introduction

The two broad categories of writing available for students/alumni authors to contribute are going to be policy briefs or commentaries. If one chooses to do a commentary, then they may note that an op-ed is a form of commentary that can be chosen. If one chooses to do a policy brief, they may note that in public policy, some people do a form of a policy brief called a fact sheet. Any of these styles of writing that fall under these two overarching categories are acceptable for submissions. In order to provide proper guidance, this document has examples of commentaries, factsheets, briefs, and op-ed pieces.

             Note on Op-Eds:

Every engaging Op-Ed contains a clear argument or stance. Without it, the piece turns more into a subject commentary or personal reflection. Therefore, it’s important to inform readers of your stance as early on as possible, ideally after your opening hook. Writers of commentaries, letters to the editor, and op-ed pieces often view a current issue or event from a unique angle that applies to the issue’s timely relevance.

 

  Foreign Policy and National Security Guidance

Students and alumni authors may choose to write an article considering a topic that falls under these categories of either foreign policy and/or national security. Under the following subheadings are examples of policy briefs/factsheets and commentaries/op-eds that consider topics in these fields.

     Policy Brief and Factsheet Examples

    Commentary and Op-Ed Examples

  Domestic Policy Guidance

Student and alumni authors may choose to write an article considering a topic that falls under the category of domestic policy. Under the following subheadings, there are examples of policy briefs/factsheets and commentaries/op-eds that consider topics in these fields.

   Policy Brief and Factsheet Examples

   Commentary and Op-Ed Examples

  Biblical Integration Note

Students and alumni authors may note that Liberty University welcomes Biblical worldview integration in Journal submissions and research. Below are resources discussing Biblical integration in these formsof writing.