Research Methods in International Relations

The only textbook for designing and conducting research in IR.

Covering the full breadth of methods in IR with unrivalled clarity, this best-selling textbook takes you through the entire process of doing research, from honing your question to writing up the dissertation. The engaging and jargon-free style demystifies the entire process, and you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and limitations of different methods and how to use them in your project.


This third edition comes with two new chapters on how to collect data and how to analyze data, plus a new troubleshooting feature in every chapter to offer top tips for addressing challenges. All the chapters have been fully revised and offer specific advice for using individual research methods. The methodology chapter has been updated to offer a sophisticated overview of the full spectrum of methodological approaches, including the most cutting-edge and popular methods used in IR, from social media to quasi-experimental research.


A practical introduction, this text is essential reading for anyone setting out on their International Relations research project for the first time, at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.


Christopher Lamont is Dean of E-Track International Relations, Vice Dean of the Graduate School of International Relations, and Professor of International Relations at Tokyo International University, Japan.