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Introduction: Methodological Challenges and Opportunities for the Study of Emotions

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Researching Emotions in International Relations

Part of the book series: Palgrave Studies in International Relations ((PSIR))

Abstract

The study of emotions in international relations, understood in a broad sense, has become a vibrant field over the past 15 years. A brief overview of the growing number of publications shows a variety of (conflicting) ontological, epistemological and theoretical positions on the nature and role of emotions in world politics. Methodological issues have not yet gained as much attention, despite calls to address the challenges and opportunities associated with emotion research in IR. After sketching the general methodological trends in current scholarship, we present six key methodological issues that need to be considered for the empirical study of emotions. The volume’s rationale focuses on plurality—by presenting diverse methodological approaches—and practicality—by providing research-practical insights from the authors’ own experience. The volume can be read in various ways depending on the reader’s interests in a specific ontological position or in a concrete methodology. Two overview tables provide further orientation and present the limits and advantages of each approach according to its author(s).

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Notes

  1. 1.

    As an interdisciplinary field of study, International Relations is understood here in its broadest sense . It does not merely refer to relations among states or political entities at large, but also to politics against or beyond the state which has transnational dimensions and impacts. Consequently, IR as a concept is used, throughout the volume, interchangeably with international politics, world politics and global politics.

  2. 2.

    While we recognize the insights gained through psychological experimentation (for instance, in the work of McDermott), the volume is made primarily for a broad readership for whom experimental work and the resources it demands is not a realistic option.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Helmut Schmidt University, Hamburg, Germany

    Maéva Clément

  2. FNRS / University of Namur, Namur, Belgium

    Eric Sangar

Authors
  1. Maéva Clément
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  2. Eric Sangar
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of International Politics, Helmut Schmidt University, Hamburg, Germany

    Maéva Clément

  2. FNRS / University of Namur, Namur, Belgium

    Eric Sangar

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Clément, M., Sangar, E. (2018). Introduction: Methodological Challenges and Opportunities for the Study of Emotions. In: Clément, M., Sangar, E. (eds) Researching Emotions in International Relations. Palgrave Studies in International Relations. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-65575-8_1

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