Researching armed conflict, Boko Haram and other violent non-state actors: problems with web sources

摘要

Over the past ten years, problems with using internet and social media as reliable research tools have emerged alongside rapid technological changes in scholarly research, writing and publishing. This poses a particular problem within the study of armed conflict and violent non-state actors, where much cannot be definitively known and there are few guidelines available. The result is an overwhelming submission of documents citing unacceptable sources. New approaches to research in armed conflict and violent non-state actors are needed, and one forthcoming book on Boko Haram attempts to address this. Researchers are provided with guidelines for assessing online sources, and the imperative to do so is strongly advised.