JPOII’s editorial decisions are based on the relevance, contribution, quality and integrity of submitted scholarship. The journal supports rigorous disagreement grounded in evidence and reasoned analysis.

Assessment and responsibility

Editors assess whether a submission falls within scope, makes an identifiable contribution and provides an adequate basis for its claims. Reviewers advise; the handling editor remains responsible for the decision. Manuscripts may be declined without external review when the scope, evidentiary basis, presentation or ethical requirements are not met.

Authors must provide accurate information and respond to substantive editorial queries. The journal may request source clarification, supporting documentation or explanation of analytical choices. Acceptance does not remove the authors’ responsibility for the work.

Independence and conflicts

Nationality, institutional prestige, funding availability, payment arrangements and an author’s policy position must not substitute for scholarly criteria. Editors must disclose and manage relationships that could compromise impartial handling. Editors’ own manuscripts and those involving close collaborators require an independent editor.

Funding or sponsorship must be disclosed and must not control acceptance, reviewer selection or findings. Guest editors follow the same requirements. See Research Independence and Competing Interests.

Confidentiality and scholarly conduct

Submitted manuscripts and review reports are confidential within the editorial process. Editors and reviewers must not use unpublished findings for personal advantage or disclose protected information without an appropriate basis. Professional criticism should address the argument and evidence, avoiding personal attacks or unsupported allegations.

Decisions about contentious topics should protect legitimate academic inquiry while enforcing standards for evidence, proportionality and participant protection. The journal may seek clarification before publishing material that identifies individuals or institutions in adverse claims.

The public record and policy application

Concerns about published work are handled under Corrections & Retractions; concerns about editorial decisions or process follow Complaints & Appeals. Policy changes should be recorded transparently and significant new requirements communicated to affected authors.

The journal’s policies draw on the Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing. Reference to guidance does not imply membership, accreditation or endorsement by the issuing organizations.

Updated 5 October 2026 · Questions: JPOII Editorial Office