Process tracing provides a rigorous and safe approach to studying non-state violent actors, yielding deeper insights while minimizing risks.
Authors
Sweta Sen, Assistant Professor, Jindal School of International Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India
Julie Mazzeia, International Studies Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
Summary
Study of non-state violent actors can be impeded by a variety of challenges inherent to these organizations. Methodologies not well-suited to these dynamics may result in peril for the researcher and/or her subjects, and lead to perhaps less rigorous findings. We argue here that the ontology of process tracing is conducive to highly rigorous and safe examination of NSVAs. Here, we highlight a collection of data collection strategies that are particularly useful in this research; introduce and evaluate the rigor of triangulating across data voices; and introducing the term evidentiary heterogeneity to emphasize the value of diversifying data sources across cases.
Published in: Small Wars and Insurgencies
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