Large-N Analysis in the Study of Conflict

Abstract

In this paper, I examine the generation and use of large-N datasets and issuesrelated to operationalization and measurement in the quantitative study ofinter-state and intra-state conflict. Specifically, I critically evaluate the workon transnational dimensions of internal conflict and talk about my own journeyrelated to my research on interactions between states and nonstate armed groups.I address the gaps in existing research, the use of proxy measures in large-Ndata analysis, and talk in detail about observational data collection and coding.I argue that future research should bridge the gap between studies of conflictacross the fields of Comparative Politics and International Relations. I makesuggestions laying the standards of academic scholarship in collecting data andincreasing transparency in research.