Stories from the Field

We talk to political scientists about what field research looks like on the ground. In each episode, we bring on expert guests to discuss different ethical and logistical aspects of the field research process, based on the book we co-edited with the same title: Stories From the Field: A Guide to Navigating Fieldwork in Political Science (Columbia University Press, 2020).

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Stories from the Field

Doing Research as a Native

January 28, 2026 • Peter Krause and Ora Szekely • Season 2 • Episode 2

Kira Jumet and Merouan Mekouar join the podcast to share their insights on what it means to be a “native scholar” and all the complications and benefits that can bring to the process of field research. We talk about the benefits of knowing local languages, the question of citizenship (and other state-related challenges) as well as the very real struggles researchers may face to separate their personal identities and emotions from their academic research. As these challenges come into focus, the discussion turns to a central question many scholars must confront: Is it worth it?

0:11 Introduction

1:44 Kira and Merouan's Origin Story

3:38 What is a Native Scholar?

7:06 Impact of Being a Native Scholar

11:25 Findings within Conflict-Affected Environments

23:46 Professional and Personal Risks

29:28 Advice for Future Native Reseachers

37:40 The Future of the Academic Field

44:34 Advice for Listeners

Publications Mentioned in this Episode

Jumet, Kira D., and Merouan Mekouar, eds. Doing Research as a Native: A Guide for Fieldwork in Illiberal and Repressive States. New York, New York: Oxford University Press, 2025. https://academic.oup.com/book/59605
Souleimanov, Emil Aslan, Siroky, David S., & Krause, Peter (2022). Kin Killing: Why Governments Target Family Members in Insurgency, and When It Works. Security Studies, 31(2), 183–217. https://doi.org/10.1080/09636412.2022.2079997
Ibrahimi, Niamatullah & Malejacq, Romain. (2024). Is it even worth it? The ethics of researching armed groups in ‘the field.’ Conflict, Security & Development, 24(6), 525–558. https://doi.org/10.1080/14678802.2024.2405613

Producers: Riley Copwood, Kendall Liesching, Helia Attar, Paul Kim, Anna O’Donnell

Find Stories from The Field at Columbia University Press or Amazon