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Conducting research in Central Eurasia can present unique challenges and risks for researchers, and their research subjects ranging from limited freedom of movement to potential surveillance and persecution. Graduate students and new researchers engaged in field projects in these contexts may be particularly vulnerable due to their relative lack of experience and knowledge about navigating such challenges. It is therefore critical to provide new researchers with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure the safety and well-being of themselves and their interlocutors. This workshop aims to equip graduate students and researchers with practical strategies for identifying and mitigating risks, navigating ethical challenges, and accessing resources and support. By promoting researcher safety in Central Eurasia, we hope to enable graduate students and other researchers to conduct their research with greater confidence, security, and effectiveness, ultimately advancing our understanding of important social and political phenomena in these contexts. Through case studies and examples from our own times in the 'the field', in this workshop we will use the insider/outsider approach to examine researcher safety to include digital safety, personal security, and safety of our interlocutors. We will also use a systems thinking approach to find solutions and mitigate risks to both researchers and their interlocutors. Please see our attached workshop outline for more detailed approach. This workshop will be followed by a conference roundtable which will examine the topic and lessons learned which come from the workshop

Abstract:

Workshop Outline:

I. Introduction (15 minutes)

A. Welcome and introductions

B. Workshop objectives and overview

II. Understanding the field (30 minutes)

Discussion of challenges faced by researchers in Central Eurasia

Outsider/Insider research

“Local” Researchers

“Western” researchers

Interlocutors/Informants

III. Risk Assessment and Mitigation (60-90 minutes)

Identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities (Break-out groups)

Digital safety

Personal security

Additional risks to women researchers

Strategies for minimizing risks and enhancing safety

Best practices for fieldwork preparation and safety protocols

Case studies and scenarios for group discussion and analysis

IV. Ethical Considerations (30 minutes )

Discussion of ethical issues specific to research in Central Eurasian contexts

Risks to your interlocutors/informants

When not to publish

Best practices for navigating ethical challenges and dilemmas

V. Resources and Support (30 minutes)

A. Overview of resources and support available for researchers

B. Discussion of strategies for accessing support and assistance

C. Tips for building networks and partnerships with local scholars and organizations

Q&A and group discussion

VI. Conclusion and Evaluation (15 minutes)

Summary of workshop highlights

Evaluation and feedback

Participants will be asked to complete a brief evaluation at the end of the workshop to provide feedback on the usefulness of the workshop, strengths and weaknesses, and suggestions for improvement.

Materials and Equipment:

Workshop handouts with relevant information and resources

Case studies and scenarios for group discussion

Projector and screen for presentations and videos

*This workshop will have a follow-up roundtable to present lessons learned to conveners during the conference sessions