Conducting Terrorism Field Research: A Guide by Adam Dolnik

Author:Adam Dolnik [Dolnik, Adam]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Political Science, Security (National & International), Political Freedom, Terrorism
ISBN: 9780415609319
Google: uDXRbwAACAAJ
Goodreads: 14870566
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 2013-01-15T07:38:09+00:00

Conclusion

In this chapter I have attempted to map out some theoretical and conceptual themes that underpin my approach to fieldwork research. In doing so, I have situated the conduct of inquiry within a broader literature on terrorism research, illustrating the need to adopt case-study driven and ‘context-first’ analysis. In some way I hope to have contributed to the broader multi-disciplinary scholarship which informs the analysis of terrorism. I also hope to have contributed, in some small way, to a larger set of interdisciplinary conversations about conducting work in the field. I have argued that an interpretive or hermeneutically-enriched approach can greatly enhance our understanding of the ways in which groups themselves portray events.

In the second part of the chapter, I reflected upon my own personal experience of conducting research on terrorism in Russia and the Caucasus. My aim was to offer some practical insights into the best ways to collect data, to conduct interviews, and to undertake meaningful research. I have argued that the researcher should develop a flexible approach to research design to enable the conduct of fieldwork, while also noting that the vast majority of interviews with former combatants actually occurred beyond the borders of the North Caucasus.

To conclude, I offer some brief practical guidelines for researchers considering conducting fieldwork in the North Caucasus:

Travel light (carry essential items only)

Wear appropriate clothing and, where possible, try to blend in Travel with pens and notebooks as well as Dictaphones and cameras

Develop a good team of local fixers, interpreters and drivers

Conduct meticulous planning over many months and years

Contact home on a regular basis

Be prepared to improvise, while also taking the time to acclimatise

Index notes taken in the field

Recognise the pros and cons of language skills (i.e. learn a local language if possible)

Prior to fieldwork, test, trial and practice methods of collecting data from interviews, to content analysis

Establish and maintain good contact with gatekeepers

Recognise the difficulties imposed by federal restrictions on travel

Where possible, conduct interviews outside of conflict zones

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