Large-N Analysis in the Study of Conflict

Abstract

In this paper, I examine the generation and use of large-N datasets and issues related to operationalization and measurement in the study of inter-state and intra-state conflict. Specifically, I critically evaluate the work on transnational dimensions of internal conflict. I also talk about my own journey related to my research on interactions between states and nonstate armed groups. I address the gaps in existing research, the use of proxies in large-N data analysis, and talk in detail about observational data collection and coding. I argue that future research should bridge the gap between studies of conflict across the fields of Comparative Politics and International Relations. I make suggestions laying the standards of academic scholarship in collecting data and increasing transparency in research.