Research in Civilian-Military Humanitarian Relations (CMHR) has predominantly relied on conventional methodologies that primarily focus on policy analysis that often utilizes top-down approaches and Big Data analysis. However, these approaches have overlooked the importance of context-specific techniques that offer valuable insights into the creation of culturally sensitive and tailored civilian-military and humanitarian research.
Given the increasingly complex nature of disaster events and the need for effective intersectoral collaboration in civilian-military and humanitarian endeavors (Levine 2016), there is a pressing demand to critically evaluate and reflect upon the existing research methodologies in CMHR. Such an examination can begin to bridge the gap and ensure the formulation of methodologies that are better suited for assessing and meeting the challenges and nuances of this specialized field, and for building more impactful and locally relevant humanitarian interventions.
Objectives:
This special issue will present emerging research methods in the field of Civilian-Military Humanitarian Relations. Drawing from case studies, papers will explore how specific research methodologies and approaches such as autoethnography, participatory action, case study, reflexivity, feminist, and engaged approach have contributed to a more nuanced understanding of CMHR. The intent is to:
- Explore how non-traditional research methodologies in the field of CMHR can contribute to the production of more inclusive and locality-specific studies.
- Provide guidance on how practitioner-academics could capture field experiences ethically and scientifically.
- Promote in-depth conversations about research methodologies in the field of CMHR and explore how these prevailing approaches contribute to the widening disparity in the creation of effective and enduring humanitarian programs or initiatives.
We welcome submissions exploring any of these topics:
- Reflexive Approaches to on the ground research
- Digital, Visual, and Photo-ethnographic methods
- Feminist and Inclusive Approaches
- Ethical Approaches in dealing with at-risk populations
- Qualitative and Mixed Method Approach
- Securitised data collection in military populations
- Area-Based Approaches
- New technologies in data management and collection
