Research in Sensitive Contexts
This course focuses on research ethics in sensitive contexts – specifically, research on topics related to national, societal, and human security conducted under challenging and precarious circumstances.
It approaches research ethics as an open-ended question, shaped by multiple relationships: with research subjects, society at large, colleagues, and authorities that enable research, as well as the sensitive environments in which research takes place. Additionally, it encourages researchers to reflect on integrity, honesty, and ethical responsibilities.
The course consists of six thematic seminars:
- Introduction to research ethics in sensitive contexts
- Conducting research on elite groups in sensitive contexts
- Researching “vulnerable groups” in sensitive contexts through qualitative field research
- Conducting research on sensitive contexts through quantitative methods
- Conducting research on the military as research subjects
- Conducting research on sensitive contexts/issues through open sources and sensitive information.
The seminars are divided into two parts. In the first, an invited researcher shares personal experiences and insights in conversation with doctoral students. In the second, students engage in a seminar discussion based on course readings.
Course syllabus
Course provider: Swedish Defence University, Department of War Studies
Course director: Professor Maria Eriksson Baaz.
Course dates 2026: week 41-45