Methodological issues in examining sanctions: Reflections on conducting research in Russia

Abstract

The effect of sanctions on tourism and hospitality has gained increased scholarly attention. However, there is a very limited explicit examination of the effect of sanctions on practical aspects of arranging and conducting qualitative research and fieldwork in this context. Drawing upon reflections on multiple fieldworks conducted in Russia during a sensitive political environment emanated from imposed sanctions, this study sought to examine how sanctions as a ubiquitous state tool of coercive diplomacy and foreign policy can influence a qualitative data collection process, This paper reflects on two key methodological issues resulting from sanctions that were faced during fieldworks: difficulty in gaining access to data and government control of shared information and knowledge. Overall, this study highlights serious implications for undertaking qualitative research on sensitive topics in politically unstable environments and provides a novel understanding of the effect of sanctions on conducting fieldwork.