The Journal of Nationalism Studies (JNS) recognises the transformative potential of artificial intelligence tools in the fields of academic research and writing. Whilst these tools may improve various stages of manuscript preparation, their use must comply with ethical standards to ensure the integrity, originality and accountability of scientific work. This policy summarises the acceptable and unacceptable uses of artificial intelligence tools in manuscripts submitted to the journal and provides guidance on their responsible application.

Authors’ use of artificial intelligence tools: Authors are permitted to use artificial intelligence tools within specific and limited capacities, provided that this does not compromise the scientific content or originality of their work. However, the following rules must be observed:

• Artificial intelligence tools can be used to improve the grammar, spelling, clarity and overall readability of texts. This involves refining sentence structure and style without altering the scientific substance of the work. Authors remain fully responsible for the original content and for any errors identified by these tools.

• The creation of text or content using artificial intelligence tools is strictly prohibited. This includes the creation of abstracts, introductions, literature reviews, methodologies, results and discussions. Articles must reflect the authors’ original scientific efforts and analyses.

• Authors may use artificial intelligence tools to assist with the analysis of data collected using traditional research methods. However, artificial intelligence tools must not be used to fabricate or generate research data. All interpretations and conclusions remain entirely the responsibility of the author(s).

• Images, diagrams, graphs or other visual content generated by artificial intelligence tools may not be submitted. All visual elements must be produced using original methods or obtained from ethical sources with appropriate attribution.

• Authors who use artificial intelligence tools must transparently disclose this at the end of the article under the heading ‘Declaration of Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools’. The declaration must specify the name, version and purpose of the tool used. For example: During the preparation of this study, [Name of AI Tool] was used in the ……………….. section for the purpose of ……………………… Or, No artificial intelligence tools were used in the preparation of this study. The author(s) have reviewed and verified the changes suggested by the artificial intelligence tool and assume full responsibility for the final version of the text.

• Artificial intelligence tools may not be listed as authors. Authorship is restricted to those individuals who have made significant scientific contributions to the research and preparation of the article.

• Even if no declaration is made regarding the use of artificial intelligence tools during the manuscript submission process, should it be determined during the editorial review or peer-review stage that the use of such tools has been concealed; that the declaration made does not reflect the truth; or that artificial intelligence tools have been used beyond the permitted limits in the production of the main text of the article, structure, the development of ideas or claims, or the drafting of content; or if it is determined that the sources and citations included in the work have been fabricated by AI tools or are inconsistent with the general literature, the work in question will be returned immediately and definitively rejected, regardless of the stage it has reached in the peer-review process and without the author being granted any right to make corrections.

The use of artificial intelligence tools by referees: 

• Manuscripts submitted to our journal are classified as ‘confidential documents’ until the peer review process is complete. In order to protect authors’ intellectual property rights and personal data, referees are strictly prohibited from sharing articles or extracts thereof with any artificial intelligence software. Uploading data to artificial intelligence tools constitutes a breach of data security and is therefore contrary to the ethics of refereeing.

• Referees are the sole decision-makers regarding the scientific quality, methodology and academic integrity of the works they assess. Given that artificial intelligence tools carry the risk of producing incorrect, incomplete, manipulative or biased results, these technologies can never replace a referee’s capacity for critical thinking and independent assessment. Referees are personally, fully and legally responsible for the content of the assessment reports they upload to the system, as well as for the opinions expressed and academic judgements made therein.

The use of artificial intelligence tools by editors: 

• Editors must not upload an article submitted for review, or any part of it, to artificial intelligence tools. Transferring data to such platforms carries the risk of infringing authors’ privacy and intellectual property rights. Furthermore, if the article contains personally identifiable information, this constitutes a clear breach of data privacy rights and principles.

• Editors are responsible for the editorial review and decision-making process. Artificial intelligence tools cannot replace an editor’s ability to think critically, make independent judgements or reach a final decision. Editors are fully responsible and accountable for the editorial process, the final decision and its communication to authors.

• For this reason, editors may use AI tools solely for supportive purposes, such as to improve the language or structure of decision letters. Language editors can also make use of generative AI tools to correct spelling mistakes and improve phrasing.

References:

1- COPE Council. COPE position - Authorship and AI

2- TÜBİTAK DESTEK SÜREÇLERİNDE ÜRETKEN YAPAY ZEKÂNIN (ÜYZ) SORUMLU VE GÜVENİLİR KULLANIMI REHBERİ