General Publishing Principles

1. Introduction

This document provides a concise overview of Advance.hr’s publishing principles and editorial standards. Its purpose is to clearly explain to readers, authors, and partners how we make editorial decisions, how we verify information, and how we protect independence, ethics, and the trust of our audience. Other detailed documents, including the Editorial Policy, Code of Ethics, Fact-Checking Methodology, and others, build upon these principles.

2. Mission, Public Interest, and Editorial Orientation

Advance.hr is an independent media outlet focused on analytical journalism in the fields of foreign policy, geopolitics, economics, social processes, culture, and science. Our mission is to help readers understand complex global processes, rather than merely follow short-lived daily political impulses. Our focus is the public interest, not short-term attention or clicks.

3. Core Editorial Principles

Our editorial work is based on professional journalistic standards:

• accuracy and verifiability of all significant factual claims
• clarity and contextualization of events
• responsible interpretation of information, without sensationalism
• consistent separation of facts from comments and assessments
• transparency toward readers when information is limited or uncertain

Every published article should contribute to an understanding of the world, rather than to confusion or the encouragement of polarization.

4. Independence and Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest

Advance.hr is funded entirely by reader subscriptions. We do not publish PR articles, native advertising, or sponsored content, nor do we receive funding from political, state, or corporate actors. Editorial decisions must never be influenced by donors, advertisers, or interest groups. The rules on independence and conflicts of interest are explained in more detail in the document Independence and Conflict of Interest.

5. Topic Selection and Content Editing

We choose topics according to their importance for understanding global political, economic, and social processes. Priority is given to:

• topics of long-term public significance
• analyses that provide deeper context and historical background
• articles that reveal mechanisms of power, not only their consequences
• sections that enrich knowledge, including culture, science, history, and geography

Every article goes through an editorial process that includes topic selection, preparation of analysis, data verification, and final editorial approval, in accordance with the Editorial Policy.

6. Fact-Checking and Sources

Fact-checking is an integral part of our work. Key claims are verified through:

• official documents and data from competent institutions
• relevant international organizations and research institutions
• academic papers, expert analyses, and scientific literature
• media sources with established editorial practices

We pay particular attention to topics in which the interests of major powers, corporations, or other centers of power are strongly present. A detailed description of the process can be found in the document Fact-Checking Methodology.

7. Treatment of Sources and Protection of Confidentiality

We treat sources responsibly and professionally. When it is in the public interest and when information cannot be obtained in any other way, we protect the identity of sources and safeguard confidential information. An author’s identity may be presented by full name or by initials when justified by security or privacy concerns. The principles of source protection and privacy are further explained in the document Principles of Source Protection and Privacy.

8. Ethical Standards and Prohibition of Discrimination

All our content is shaped in accordance with the Code of Ethics, with a clear prohibition of:

• hate speech and incitement to violence
• any form of discrimination
• manipulation of statements or facts in order to create a misleading impression

We place particular emphasis on anti-war principles and the promotion of peaceful conflict resolution. A critical approach to policies, states, or institutions must not turn into an attack on the identity of individuals or communities.

9. Types of Content and Limits of Responsibility

The portal publishes analyses, commentaries, informative articles, essays, and special formats. In analytical articles, we clearly distinguish between:

• factual claims, such as data, dates, and figures
• analytical interpretations and authorial conclusions
• assessments and scenarios that do not constitute factual claims

Content is not intended to serve as financial, legal, medical, or any other form of advisory service, but rather as a basis for informed reflection. Details are provided in the Media Content Statement.

10. Corrections, Updates, and Feedback

When an error is identified, we carry out a transparent correction process. Minor technical or language errors are corrected without delay, while significant changes are clearly marked or explained. Readers may contact us to report a possible inaccuracy, and the editorial team will review the report within a reasonable timeframe. The procedure is described in more detail in the Corrections Policy.

11. Financial Transparency and Business Model

The financial model of Advance.hr is based exclusively on reader subscriptions. We do not publish banners, sponsored articles, or hidden advertising, nor do we receive support from states, funds, or corporations. In this way, we protect editorial independence and avoid conflicts of interest. The principles of financial transparency are presented in detail in the document Financial Transparency.

12. Use of Artificial Intelligence

We use artificial intelligence solely as an auxiliary tool for research, language checks, and technical preparation. Analyses, commentaries, and other articles are written and edited by people, who bear full professional responsibility for the published content. AI tools are not considered a source of truth, and all information obtained in this way is subject to additional verification. The rules are described in detail in the document Use of Artificial Intelligence.

13. Relationship with the Audience and Complaints

Subscribers and readers are the foundation of our work. We encourage them to contact us with comments, suggestions, and criticism, especially when they believe that a piece of content is inaccurate, unclear, or unfair. We strive to consider every inquiry seriously and respond within a reasonable timeframe, in line with available resources. Additional information can be found on the Support and Help, Frequently Asked Questions, and Editorial Contact pages.

14. Connection with Other Documents

This document serves as the overarching overview of our publishing principles. Individual areas are addressed in greater detail in separate documents, including:

• Editorial Policy
• Code of Ethics
• Independence and Conflict of Interest
• Fact-Checking Methodology
• Principles of Source Protection and Privacy
• Financial Transparency
• Privacy Policy and GDPR / Data Protection
• Media Content Statement
• Commenting Rules and Forum Rules
• Use of Artificial Intelligence

Together, all these documents form a unified framework of Advance.hr’s professional standards.

15. Changes to the Document

The publishing principles and editorial standards may be updated from time to time to reflect the development of professional practices, technological changes, or regulatory requirements. Each new version will enter into force on the day it is published on this page, with the aim of ensuring that the core values — independence, accuracy, responsibility, and respect for readers — remain unchanged.