Editorial Standards

Trajectory publishes original geopolitical and strategic analysis. Our aim is clarity and context, not speed. We write for readers who want to understand the forces shaping international affairs.

Our standards

Open-source first

We primarily rely on publicly available material: government documents, official statements, academic research, credible journalism, and open datasets. Where we draw on non-public sources, we are transparent about the limitations this creates.

Primary sources preferred

Where possible, we prioritise official documents, speeches, datasets, and direct statements over secondary reporting. When citing reporting from other outlets, we link to the original source.

Separation of fact and judgement

We distinguish between established facts and analytical inference. When we make judgements, we frame them as analysis and explain our reasoning. Readers should always understand what we know, what we infer, and where uncertainty lies.

No fabrication

We do not invent quotes, sources, or events. All attributed statements are genuine. All sources are real.

Corrections

Material factual errors are corrected transparently. See our Corrections Policy for details on how we handle errors.

Independence

Trajectory does not publish undisclosed sponsored content or accept payment for coverage. Our funding comes from reader subscriptions.

What we are not

Trajectory is not a breaking news outlet. We do not aim to be first. We aim to be useful—to explain what happened, why it matters, and what comes next.

We are not neutral in the sense of refusing to draw conclusions. Where evidence and analysis point clearly, we say so. But we are independent: our conclusions are our own, not shaped by sponsors, governments, or advocacy interests.

AI-assisted analysis

Trajectory uses AI tools in our research and writing process. This includes using large language models to help synthesise sources, identify patterns, and draft analysis. All AI-assisted work is reviewed, edited, and validated by human editors before publication.

We believe transparency about AI use is essential. Human editorial judgement remains the final authority on all published content.