Archival Research for International Relations

Archival Research for International Relations is an indispensable guide to why archival sources can be invaluable for IR scholarship and how to use archives effectively.

More IR students and scholars than ever are turning to archives to strengthen their research. But for those venturing in for the first time, archives can be intimidating—and with good reason. Despite mounting interest, archival training for IR researchers is limited. This gap leaves researchers not only uncertain about how archives contribute to scholarship, but also how to work with and make the most of them.

Joshua R. Itzkowitz Shifrinson bridges this gap by unpacking archival research from the ground up. Drawing on over two decades of working with archival sources, he first explains how using archival sources can uniquely sharpen theoretical and empirical arguments compared to other data sources. Next, he examines types of archival evidence, what each brings to research projects, and how to navigate methodological concerns—such as bias—when using archival records. Finally, he offers practical strategies for making the most of archive visits, from prioritizing materials to integrating findings into projects.

Comprehensive and practical, Archival Research for International Relations provides the roadmap IR researchers need to unlock the archives.