Overview

The Strategic Studies Review (SSR) is a graduate student–run, peer-reviewed journal at American University’s School of International Service. SSR is built and sustained by students across several roles — writing, peer review, editing, and operations — and we recruit for all of them. Members join for one full academic year.

Our writing side operates through a selective cohort model: rather than open submissions, we invite students to apply to a committed writer cohort for the year.

Roles We’re Recruiting

• Writers (cohort). Develop original scholarship with editorial guidance and mentorship over one academic year, with the opportunity to submit work for both the Fall and Spring issues.
• Peer reviewers. Evaluate submissions through our double-blind review process and provide constructive, timely feedback in your areas of expertise.
• Editors. Support the editorial workflow — developmental editing, copyediting to Chicago style, and quality control — and work with authors to strengthen their pieces.
• Operations. Keep the journal running: submission tracking, scheduling, communications, events, outreach, and partnerships.

You may apply for more than one role.

Eligibility

• Currently enrolled American University students
• Strong preference for graduate students at the School of International Service
• Demonstrated interest in strategic studies, foreign policy, or international affairs

Note: Only American University graduate students are eligible to apply to the writer cohort.

About the Writer Cohort

Selected writers commit to one full academic year (Fall and Spring semesters) of participation. Cohort members:

• Develop original scholarship with editorial guidance and mentorship
• Receive developmental feedback throughout the writing process
• Participate in the SSR intellectual community
• Have the opportunity to submit work for both Fall and Spring issues

Important: Cohort membership provides the opportunity to develop and submit work, but does not guarantee publication. All manuscripts undergo anonymous review by the Editorial Board, and selections are made based on scholarly merit, policy relevance, and editorial fit.

What We’re Looking For

Across every role, we look for:

• Genuine interest in strategic studies and international affairs
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Commitment to rigorous, policy-relevant scholarship
• Reliability in meeting deadlines and collaborating with a team
• A desire to contribute to the AU graduate student intellectual community

Application Requirements

All applicants: a resume or CV, and a short statement of interest (answered within the form).
Writing-track applicants also provide: a sample of previous writing (academic or policy style preferred, 1,000–2,500 words).

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through our online application form. Choose the role you’re applying for — writing, peer review, editing, or operations — and complete the short sections that follow. Writing-track applicants will be asked to upload a writing sample; all applicants provide a resume/CV.

Apply Now →

You’ll receive an email confirmation once your application is submitted. We respond within five business days.

Questions?

For questions about any role or the application process, contact the SSR Editorial Board at aussrjournal@gmail.com.

We look forward to reading your applications and welcoming new members to the SSR team.