About the Journal

Definition and Scope

Pactum, a journal specializing in Transdisciplinary Conflict Studies and Peace Culture, is a semiannual, digital, open-access scientific publication. It publishes original and unpublished research focused on Conflict, Peace Culture, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and related themes. It aims to contribute to the dialogue between disciplines and research groups that approach this field of knowledge from various areas, as well as to disseminate advancements and results to a broader audience.

Given its transdisciplinary nature, the journal is addressed to researchers from all scientific branches who contribute to the study of these topics, particularly research applying methodologies and approaches from the social sciences and humanities (law, psychology, sociology, demography, communication, anthropology, history, economics, etc.).

Type, Format, and Frequency

Pactum is published digitally in semiannual issues through two specific sections. Its publication follows an "open issue" system, compiled during the January–June and July–December periods. Contributions are accepted in both Spanish and English, with content adapted to the themes and sections adopted by the journal. All submissions undergo an evaluation process (both internal and external) to ensure relevance, originality, and rigor, in accordance with the standards established for each segment.

Eligibility Criteria for Manuscripts

  • Submissions must not have been previously published or be currently under consideration for publication in another journal.
  • Manuscripts must be submitted in electronic format (Word version), written in Times New Roman, 12-point font, and double-spaced. Footnotes should be in 10-point font and single-spaced. The document must be Letter-size with the following margins: 3 cm for top and bottom, and 2.5 cm for the sides.
  • All proposals must include a title page with the following information:
    • Title of the work (in both Spanish and English).
    • Abstract (in both Spanish and English), not exceeding 200 words.
    • 3–5 Keywords (in both Spanish and English).
    • Name of the author(s), institutional affiliation, academic degree, home and institutional address, ORCID ID (if available), telephone number, and email address.
  • All charts, tables, images, and graphs accompanying the text must include a title, source, and corresponding sequential number. Additionally, these must be submitted in a separate file (Word/Excel), following the same specifications and indicating their exact placement within the text. Image formats must be JPG or TIFF (no larger than half-letter size, at 300 dpi). If necessary, the author must also provide the pertinent permissions for the publication of any images protected by copyright.
  • In addition to the general abstracts, texts submitted as Articles and Interventions must include the following structure: introduction, sections required for the development of the central idea, and conclusions.
  • URLs or DOIs for the references used should be included whenever possible.
  • Manuscripts may have a maximum of three authors.
  • Authors are not permitted to publish in consecutive issues; they must wait one year between publications.
  • For more information, please refer to the Editorial Guidelines section.

The journal accepts the publication of Dossiers, defined as a set of articles published within a single issue of Pactum, which are articulated around a specific theme related to the journal's lines of research (Conflict, Peace Culture, and Alternative Dispute Resolution), under the coordination of a specialized guest editor.

The guidelines and procedures for the integration of a dossier are as follows:

  • The coordinator proposes a current and relevant topic within their area of expertise, linked to the journal's thematic lines.
  • The editorial team discusses the proposal with the coordinator and agrees on the submission and publication dates for the dossier.
  • The coordinator manages, through their academic networks, the integration of a minimum of four articles on the proposed topic.
  • In addition, the editorial team launches an open call for papers to receive further contributions on the same subject.
  • Once the works are received, the editorial team begins the review and peer-review process; the coordinator assists by suggesting potential reviewers and maintaining contact with the authors.
  • The editorial management of the dossier (review, peer review, copy-editing, etc.) follows the same policies and mechanisms applied to any other article, through the journal’s OJS platform and under the responsibility of the editorial team.
  • Upon publication of the issue, the coordinator receives a certificate for the work performed and the corresponding credits for their role.

Sections:

Articles: Original scientific research papers related to the areas of study covered by the journal. Texts submitted for evaluation must be unpublished and meet the methodological rigor of the social sciences; their arguments should result from the authors' theoretical reflection and empirical findings. All communications must pass a double-blind peer review and comply with the ethical practices followed by this journal.

Submissions must meet the following specifications:

  • Length: 6,000–8,000 words, including tables, charts, maps, illustrations, references, and bibliography.
  • Must include title, abstract, and keywords in both Spanish and English.
  • The main text must not include the author(s) name(s).
  • The abstract must not exceed 200 words.

Interventions: A section dedicated to the exposition or analysis of methodologies, regulations, and reports related to the application of Alternative Dispute Resolution methods, as well as provisions promoting Peace Culture or Human Rights. Works submitted for this section will undergo double-blind peer review.

Submissions must meet the following specifications:

  • Minimum length: 5,000 words.
  • The main text must not include the author(s) name(s).
  • Must include title, abstract, and keywords in both Spanish and English.
  • The abstract must not exceed 200 words.

Citations and References 

Authors must follow the APA (American Psychological Association) Style, 7th Edition. See examples in the Editorial Guidelines section.

Economic and Financial Outlook 

Published by the University of Guadalajara, through the Coordination of Technology and Knowledge Transfer, as well as the Editorial Production Unit of the University Center for Economic and Administrative Sciences (CUCEA).