Co-sponsored by Division 46: Qualitative Methods
In-Person Roundtable
Participants:
(Chair) Busra Nur Ozguler Aktel, Georgia State University
(Presenter) Austin Knuppe, Utah State University
(Presenter) Narmin Butt,; University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
(Presenter) Tanya Bandula-Irwin, University of Toronto
(Presenter) Shivan Fazil Sabr, Boston University
(Presenter) Busra Nur Ozguler Aktel, Georgia State University
Session Description:
Recent developments in the Middle East, including the war on Gaza and shifting dynamics in Syria, highlight profound changes in regional politics, domestic landscapes, and social fabric. These transformations directly affect conflict dynamics and the ability to conduct meaningful fieldwork in the region. This roundtable will bring together scholars with diverse fieldwork experiences in conflict zones to reflect on the challenges posed by these evolving circumstances.
We will explore innovative methodologies that adapt to restricted access and volatile conditions, discuss ethical considerations unique to working in such environments, and examine how researchers can navigate the balance between producing rigorous scholarship and prioritizing safety for themselves and their interlocutors. By fostering collaborative dialogue, this session aims to provide practical insights and encourage scholarly engagement with the pressing realities of conducting research in conflict zones.