Doing Research as a Native with Kira Jumet and Merouan Mekouar

Kira Jumet and Merouan Mekouar join the podcast to share their insights on what it means to be a “native scholar” and all the complications and benefits that can bring to the process of field research. We talk about the benefits of knowing local languages, the question of citizenship (and other state-related challenges) as well as the very real struggles researchers may face to separate their personal identities and emotions from their academic research. As these challenges come into focus, the discussion turns to a central question many scholars must confront: Is it worth it?0:11 Introduction1:44 Kira and Merouan's Origin Story3:38 What is a Native Scholar?7:06 Impact of Being a Native Scholar11:25 Findings within Conflict-Affected Environments23:46 Professional and Personal Risks29:28 Advice for Future Native Reseachers37:40 The Future of the Academic Field44:34 Advice for ListenersPublications Mentioned in this EpisodeJumet, Kira D., and Merouan Mekouar, eds. Doing Research as a Native: A Guide for Fieldwork in Illiberal and Repressive States. New York, New York: Oxford University Press, 2025. https://academic.oup.com/book/59605 Souleimanov, Emil Aslan, Siroky, David S., & Krause, Peter (2022). Kin Killing: Why Governments Target Family Members in Insurgency, and When It Works. Security Studies, 31(2), 183–217. https://doi.org/10.1080/09636412.2022.2079997  Ibrahimi, Niamatullah & Malejacq, Romain. (2024). Is it even worth it? The ethics of researching armed groups in ‘the field.’ Conflict, Security & Development, 24(6), 525–558. https://doi.org/10.1080/14678802.2024.2405613Producers: Riley Copwood, Kendall Liesching, Helia Attar, Paul Kim, Anna O’DonnellFind Stories from The Field at Columbia University Press or Amazon