Testing out a submission form
If I submit a question via this online form, is it ethical for the system to send me a notification? I think it is, but I want to make sure. And if it is, WILL the system send me a notification?
General
Can/should I engage publicly on legislation I helped write?
Last year, I advised a Senate office on legislation closely related to my research expertise. I have stayed in close touch with the staff and answered questions at various points in the process, and the language was included in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. What is an appropriate way for me to engage with …
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Proper disclosure vs. taking credit for behind-the-scenes policy advice
I was recently asked to advise policymakers on legislation related to my area of academic expertise. I worked closely with legislative staff on specific language, reviewing drafts and proposing edits over the last year. The legislation now stands to become law. I’d love to write something for a public-facing outlet about the bill if it …
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Misuse of research by violent actors
A portion of my professional research involves questions of political violence and authoritarianism. However, I often study them through the lens of the perpetrators, seeking to better understand why they engage in these acts and what affects the outcomes of their actions. I’ve often had concerns that this type of research, while important for understanding …
Is there an ethical issue involved in looking at the pandemic as a research opportunity?
Some scholars seem to be altogether too eager to look upon the COVID 19 pandemic as a great opportunity to answer some research questions. How do people respond to quarantines? Do pandemics strengthen the hands of autocrats? How will it affect different economies? What a great natural experiment we have here. Am I wrong to …
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Engagement with Trump Administration
Am I going to be blackballed in academia if I work for or with the Trump administration? Two University of Virginia professors resigned their positions at the Miller Center over the hiring of a former Trump official, and academia certainly seems actively hostile to Trump and his policies. I am, too. I just think there …
How much do I need to know to engage media
Our university’s media relations team has asked me a couple times this semester if I can speak to a reporter about issues that are not my core areas of expertise (specifically, about drones and Iran). I probably know more about these issues than a man on the street, but I don’t think I’m comfortable talking …
Consulting fees/rates
I have been approached by a government contractor (“Beltway Bandit”) to write a 25-page report on links between migration and conflict. I get the impression the ultimate consumer is the intelligence community, though I don’t know much more beyond that at this point. They are offering $5,000 total. As this is my first experience with …
How to be relevant when researching both sides of a conflict
Many of us who research armed conflict try to engage with both sides during our research (for example, both the government and separatists). This is challenging enough for conducting research when gaining trust and access with one side may come at the cost of losing trust/access with the other side, but raises new problems when …
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Engaging with media from authoritarian regimes
I sometimes receive media requests from journalists in authoritarian or near-authoritarian regimes (Iran, China, Russia, for example). I am concerned about my words/analysis contributing to state-run media and, particular concerned about my responses being twisted to serve authoritarian ends. But I also recognize that there are legitimate journalists in these countries who may be pushing …