Write for The Interpreter

The Interpreter features daily commentary and analysis on international issues. The site is edited by Managing Editor Daniel Flitton and Head of Editorial Clare Caldwell, along with founding editor Sam Roggeveen.

In keeping with the spirit of the Lowy Institute, The Interpreter has a strong commitment to analytic integrity. Our editorial stance is independent and non-partisan, with the aim of informing and strengthening discussions about international policy.

Our focus is the Asia-Pacific — the region’s politics, security, economies and international relationships — though we range more widely when events elsewhere shape the regional order or carry lessons for it. Australian perspectives are welcome, but contributors need not shoehorn a local angle into every piece. Our readership spans Australia, Asia, the Pacific, North America and Europe — reflecting the broad international audience that issues in the region command.

The Interpreter is open to pitches from analysts and writers. We accept drafts of up to 850 words, written for an audience interested in world affairs, yet not necessarily subject specialists. The tone is op-ed style, rather than news reportage. Articles may interrogate policy decisions, illuminate complex or unfolding issues for a general audience, or make the case for a particular course of action — and the best pieces often do all three.

A distinctive, original point of view, with a focus on policy solutions or risk projections, is highly valued. We aim to avoid unnecessary jargon, theory, name-checking and the clichés that often feature in foreign affairs writing.

Please note:

• Submissions should be sent in a Word attachment.
• References/backup sources are requested where relevant, with embedded hyperlinks (Opens in new window) (no footnotes, endnotes or floating URLs).
• Drafts are subject to editing for style, clarity and length.
• Headlines, illustrations and other page elements are the prerogative of the Interpreter editors.
• Original articles only — we do not run reprints, but we do allow other publications to carry Interpreter articles with permission and acknowledgement.
• We expect contributors to use AI tools responsibly. Assistance with fact-checking, research or prose refinement is acceptable. Using AI to generate the ideas, arguments or substance is not. The work should be the contributor’s own.

First-time contributors should include a brief biographical note with relevant academic and professional qualifications.

Please send an email to interpreter@lowyinstitute.org if you’d like to contribute, after reviewing the Terms of Use and Content Supply Terms.

Address:

Lowy Institute
31 Bligh St
Sydney NSW 2000
AUSTRALIA

Email: interpreter@lowyinstitute.org

Phone: +61 2 8238 9000