Peer Review Process

1. Editorial review

Upon receipt of the manuscript, the editors will evaluate whether it fits within the publishing profile of the journal and meets basic standards of quality.

2. Peer review

2.1 The peers

If the manuscript passes the preliminary editorial review (point 1 above), the next step is a double-blind peer review by two independent peers who hold a relevant doctoral degree or equivalent and are familiar with the actual topic(s). As a rule, one of the peers will be from the same country as the author or will be familiar with the professional tradition in the relevant country.

Exceptionally, there may be only one independent peer. In such cases, one of the editors or a member of the editorial board will be peer number two.

2.2 Procedure for peer review

The review is based on reciprocal anonymity. In addition to an in-depth evaluation of the scholarly merit of the manuscript, the peer will be asked to evaluate:

  • The logical coherence, structure and legibility of the manuscript,
  • The current interest, value and relevance of the manuscript,
  • Whether the issues addressed are discussed and analysed in a proper way,
  • Whether the conclusions are supported by sources and data,
  • Whether the use of sources is conscientious and methodologically acceptable,
  • Whether the references are satisfactory and in accordance with the editorial instructions.

The peer will also be asked whether he/she recommends publication; publication after improvements; or does not recommend publication.

3. Final review

The editors will make the final decision regarding acceptance/rejection of the manuscript.