Complexities of the Ethical Dilemmas in Qualitative International Relations Research: Research Subjects, Ethical Codes, and Constructing Qualitative Rigor

Abstract

Existing scholarship has not thoroughly explored topics of ethical dilemmas faced by qualitative international relations researchers. Due to the distinctiveness of the study and the need to address ethical concerns with regard to international relations research, this article aims to elucidate the ethical dilemmas in three aspects: ethical dilemmas of research subjects (gatekeepers and vulnerable groups), ethical codes and scientific conduct, and constructing qualitative rigor in international relations. It further attempts to connect to existing opinions of social research studies critical toward the positivist methodological stances of contemporary ethical reviews and echoes the need to reflect on ethical dilemmas on a case-by-case basis.