Correction and Retraction Policy

Intermestic: Journal of International Studies is committed to preserving the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record. When a published article is found to contain significant errors or concerns, the journal will consider appropriate action based on the available evidence.

Corrections

A correction may be issued when an error in a published article requires amendment but does not invalidate the overall findings or conclusions.

Examples may include errors in author affiliations, metadata, figures, tables, or factual statements that can be corrected without undermining the central conclusions of the work.

Correction requests should be submitted to the editorial office with a description of the error, the proposed correction, and supporting information. The Editor-in-Chief will assess the request and may consult the authors, reviewers, or other experts.

A correction notice will identify the affected article, describe the correction clearly, and provide a link to the original publication. The journal will maintain a transparent record of the change.

Retractions

Retraction may be considered when there is clear evidence that an article's findings or conclusions are unreliable, or when serious ethical or publication violations undermine the integrity of the work.

Grounds may include:

- Major errors or unreliable findings arising from serious methodological or analytical problems.
- Fabrication or falsification of data or results.
- Plagiarism or substantial unattributed use of others' work.
- Duplicate publication or unauthorized reuse of material.
- Unethical research practices or serious breaches of research ethics.
- Manipulated or compromised peer review.
- Other serious violations that materially undermine confidence in the publication.

Retraction is intended to correct the scholarly record and alert readers to unreliable research. It is not primarily a punitive measure.

Retraction Procedure

The journal will assess available evidence, seek explanations from the authors where appropriate, and consult institutions or independent experts when necessary. A decision will be made by the Editor-in-Chief or an appropriately appointed independent editor, with due consideration of conflicts of interest.

A retraction may proceed even if all authors do not agree, provided the journal has sufficient grounds under its policy. Authors will be informed of the decision and its rationale.

Retraction Notices

A retraction notice will clearly identify the affected article, explain the reason for retraction to the extent supported by the evidence, and link to the original publication. The notice will be freely accessible.

Where technically possible, the original article will remain available with a prominent retracted status to preserve the publication record, while preventing readers from mistaking it for reliable research.

Expressions of Concern

When a substantial concern exists but the evidence is inconclusive, or an investigation is ongoing, the journal may publish an expression of concern. This notice will explain the nature of the concern without presenting unverified allegations as established facts.

Appeals and Transparency

Authors may submit an appeal supported by relevant evidence. The journal will consider appeals impartially and may seek independent advice.

All corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern will be documented and linked to the affected article where feasible. The journal follows recognized publication ethics guidance, including the COPE Retraction Guidelines.