Research Methods in International Relations

by Christopher Lamont

The only guide to conducting research in International Relations. Covering the full breadth of methods in IR with unrivalled clarity, this best-selling textbook takes you through the entire process of doing research, from honing your question to writing up the dissertation. The engaging and jargon-free style demystifies the process of doing research, whilst helping you develop a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and limitations of different methods and methodologies.

This second edition comes with new chapters on conducting interviews and discourse analysis, as well as expanded coverage of qualitative and quantitative methods. Packed with examples, it explores the breadth of IR research today, from the long-lasting impact of colonialism to migration policy; climate change negotiations to international aid. Covering the most cutting-edge methodological developments, including critical realism, feminist, and postcolonial approaches, it helps you understand and apply research methods in world politics. This practical introduction is essential reading for anyone setting out on their International Relations research project for the first time, at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Christopher Lamont is Assistant Dean of E-Track Programs and Associate Professor of International Relations at Tokyo International University, Japan .

Genres: International Relations, Research, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2015

Reviews

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book, wish I had it when I was writing my thesis last year. I learned a lot from reading this book!

[Simona Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had read it last year when I was just thinking about my thesis. But better late than never. I definitely recommend it!

[Dũng Phạm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Research Methods in International Relations by Christopher Lamont was a comprehensive guide to methodologies for students and scholars in IR. It guided me from the beginning of formulating my research question until the end of the writing up process. In between, it introduces the strength and weaknesses of qualitative and quantitative methodologies as well as recommends some strategies to apply these methods in the real world. I find them particularly useful with regards to the interview and the fieldwork which can be challenging tasks to students of IR. What's more, Lamont's examples were taken directly from his research projects which realistically illustrated the obstacles students will face in the real world when they are conducting research.
On the other hand, as other reviewers have pointed out, the section on quantitative methodology leaves much to be desired. But this is not surprising considering that Lamont's works used qualitative methodologies so that is what he is most familiar with. So even though the quantitative section is light on content, it made it up in full for the qualitative portion of the book with good advises, strategies, and examples.
However, personally, I still felt that the book is too short and that it did not really exhaust every facet of the research process in IR.
Nevertheless, I think that the book was a good introduction to research in IR for those (like me) who have had absolutely no experience with conducting research. I shall be returning to this book frequently in the course of my study.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good text for a basic research methods course in international relations. The focus is on qualitative methods, not quantitative methods. It does have really good advise for conducting a research project from start to finish.

[Pamela Mancilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Había leído varias veces capítulos de este libro pero nunca lo había leído entero y de una. Es un manual útil para quiénes se dedican a la investigación en Relaciones Internacionales o quiénes quieran tener una primera aproximación.