The Modern War Journal (MWJ) is produced by the Modern War Institute at West Point (MWI) in support of MWI’s mission to generate new knowledge for the profession of arms, enhance the West Point curriculum, and serve as an intellectual resource for solving military problems. In furtherance of MWI’s three goals of research, integrate, and educate, this journal features content from academics, policy makers, and practitioners of the profession of arms—from the cadet level to the commander in chief—presented here with one goal: to help win tomorrow’s wars, today

The MWJ seeks submissions for publication in the next edition, scheduled for January 30, 2026. Articles, op-eds, and book reviews in line with the publication theme are encouraged from any person in any field.

Publication Theme

The theme for this edition of the MWJ is innovation, transformation, and autonomy in the future fight. The accelerating pace of innovation and the rapid evolution of automated systems and autonomous technologies are transforming the character of war. From unmanned aerial systems to doctrinal development to AI-enabled decision support, the question is no longer whether these changes will shape the battlefield, but how, when, and who can do it better, faster.

General Guidance

The publication theme is deliberately broad. Topics could include studies of current conflicts, opinions on current policy, perspectives on a recently published book, or an analysis of emerging technology. All submissions must have a clear tie to the publication theme to be considered. Particular consideration will be given to submissions with a clear tie to active or recently-concluded military conflicts.

Format

Please use Chicago style with endnotes, and avoid jargon as well as overuse of acronyms.

  • articles (1,000 to 3,500 words)
  • book reviews (1,500 words or less)
  • op-eds (1,000 words or less)
  • FICINT (1,000 words or less)
  • research papers (up to 5,000 words)

Deadline

November 30, 2025

To Submit

Send submissions to mwisubmissions@westpoint.edu, and include “MWJ” in the subject line. Not all submissions will receive a response. If you do not hear back within seven working days of submission, please feel free to seek publication elsewhere.

The Modern War Journal is a production of the Modern War Institute at West Point. It is made possible by the generosity of the West Point Class of 1982 and with the support of the West Point Press.