Led by the Ciens team, this transdisciplinary methodology seminar offers a practical introduction to three major methods for studying strategic issues—archival research, semi-structured interviews, and open source intelligence (OSINT)—alongside a comparative reflection on the strengths and limitations of each method, drawn from history and the human and social sciences.

Throughout the seminar, particular attention will also be paid to the specificities of strategic studies as an object of inquiry, and to their methodological implications. How should one address the problem of access to archives dealing with strategic issues? How does one prepare for a semi-structured interview with a diplomat or a general? What pitfalls must be avoided when working with OSINT data? Drawing on concrete examples, each session will introduce students to research methods specific to strategic studies.

Open to all students without prerequisites, this seminar is particularly recommended for those interested in the “International Relations and Contemporary Strategic Issues” minor offered by Ciens.

Contact : frederic.gloriant@ens.psl.eu or eve.benhamou@ens.psl

3 ECTS, 6 sessions of 2 hours

Thursday 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the U209 room, at 29 rue d’Ulm