Marlies Glasius Book order

This open access book offers a synthetic reflection on the authors’ fieldwork experiences in seven countries within the framework of ‘Authoritarianism in a Global Age’, a major comparative research project. It responds to the demand for increased attention to methodological rigor and transparency in qualitative research, and seeks to advance and practically support field research in authoritarian contexts. Without reducing the conundrums of authoritarian field research to a simple how-to guide, the book systematically reflects and reports on the authors’ combined experiences in (i) getting access to the field, (ii) assessing risk, (iii) navigating ‘red lines’, (iv) building relations with local collaborators and respondents, (v) handling the psychological pressures on field researchers, and (vi) balancing transparency and prudence in publishing research. It offers unique insights into this particularly challenging area of field research, makes explicit how the authors handled methodological challenges and ethical dilemmas, and offers recommendations where appropriate.

Exploring the complexities of global governance, the book advocates for international decision-making as a means to foster accountability and cooperation among nations. It critiques the pitfalls of isolated sovereign states and the dangers of secretive state-to-state diplomacy, emphasizing the need for transparent and inclusive processes that address global challenges effectively. Through analysis and examples, it highlights the benefits of collaborative approaches in an interconnected world.

As evidenced by the immense global mobilization against the war on Iraq, which arguably influenced the actions of government leaders, global civil society is now established as a major player on the international stage. This yearbook is the standard work on the topic.