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Global Affairs, International Relations and Politics

Staying Ahead in Criminology and Policing: Keeping Current with Research and Developments

The landscape of international relations, global affairs, and politics is constantly shifting. New geopolitical challenges arise, international alliances form and dissolve, policies are enacted and revised, and groundbreaking research reshapes our understanding of global dynamics. As a student in these fields, it's essential to develop the skills to keep your research current and ensure the information you rely on is accurate, relevant, and up-to-date.

Why Updating Research Matters

  • Avoiding outdated information: Geopolitical landscapes, economic trends, social movements, and international policies are constantly evolving. Relying on outdated information can lead to flawed analyses, missed opportunities for understanding, and misguided policy recommendations. For instance, using outdated data on a country's political stability might not reflect recent shifts in public opinion or the impact of emerging social movements.
  • Ensuring accuracy: Updating your research ensures you are referencing the most recent data, trends, and analyses, accurately reflecting the current state of global affairs. This is crucial when evaluating the impact of international interventions, analysing the effectiveness of foreign policies, or predicting future political developments.
  • Building a strong argument: Incorporating the latest research findings into your work demonstrates thoroughness, credibility, and a commitment to evidence-based analysis. This is essential when writing persuasive policy briefs, academic papers, or engaging in informed debates on global issues.

Useful Resources

  • Alerts: Set up email alerts for specific topics, countries, regions, or policy areas within major international relations databases like Web of Science, Scopus, or JSTOR to receive notifications when new information is published.
  • Social media: Follow think tanks, research institutes, international organisations (e.g., the UN, World Bank, NATO), and relevant news outlets on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn to stay informed about emerging trends, policy debates, and expert analysis.
  • Government and NGO Websites: Regularly check official sources like government websites (e.g., U.S. Department of State, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) and NGO websites (e.g., Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch) for policy updates, reports, and data on global issues.
  • Google Scholar Alerts: Create custom alerts for specific keywords or phrases related to your research interests (e.g., "conflict resolution in the Middle East," "impact of climate change on international security") to receive notifications when new scholarly publications become available.
  • Specialised Newsletters: Subscribe to newsletters from reputable sources like Foreign Affairs, The Economist, or the International Crisis Group to receive curated summaries and analysis of global events and trends.

Here are some effective strategies and resources tailored for global affairs students to help you stay informed:

  • Use International Relations & Political Science Databases:
    • Web of Science: A comprehensive database providing access to a wide array of academic journals, conference proceedings, and books on international relations, political science, and related fields. Set up email alerts for specific topics or keywords to receive updates on new research.
    • Scopus: Another major database covering various disciplines, including social sciences and humanities. It offers tools for tracking citations and identifying influential researchers in your field.
  • Explore Library Resources:
    • Library Search: Set up alerts for searches in Library Search in order to get emails whenever any new articles that match your search are added to the collection.
    • BrowZine/Journals: Add key international relations and political science journals to your BrowZine bookshelf and receive email alerts when new articles are published.
  • Follow News and Media Sources:
    • Foreign Affairs: A leading magazine on international relations and U.S. foreign policy, providing analysis, commentary, and historical perspectives on global issues.
    • The Economist: This weekly magazine offers in-depth analysis and commentary on global political and economic trends.
    • Al Jazeera: A global news network offering diverse perspectives on international events, particularly from the Middle East and developing world.
    • The Diplomat: An online magazine covering international relations, security, and politics in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Engage with Social Media:
    • Twitter: Follow think tanks (e.g., Brookings Institution, Council on Foreign Relations), international organisations (e.g., UN, World Bank, NATO), diplomats, journalists, and researchers for real-time updates on global events and policy debates.
    • LinkedIn: Connect with professionals working in international relations, diplomacy, and policymaking. Join relevant groups to network and share insights.
  • Attend Events and Conferences:
    • Academic Conferences: Attend conferences hosted by organisations like the International Studies Association (ISA) or the American Political Science Association (APSA) to learn about the latest research findings and network with scholars and practitioners. Many offer discounted student rates.
    • Policy Forums and Webinars: Participate in events organized by think tanks, government agencies, and NGOs to gain insights into current policy debates and challenges.
  • Additional Resources:

By actively using these resources and strategies, you'll stay informed about the latest developments in global affairs, international relations, and politics, enabling you to critically analyse information, contribute to informed discussions, and pursue a successful career in this dynamic field.

Google Alerts is a free tool that allows you to monitor the web for new content related to your chosen keywords. While primarily designed for news and general web content, it can also be a valuable resource for students of global affairs, international relations, and politics to stay informed about current events, policy changes, emerging research, and public discourse on global issues. Here's how you can use it effectively:

Setting Up Google Alerts for Global Affairs Research

  1. Go to Google Alerts: Visit the Google Alerts website.

  2. Enter Your Search Terms:

    • Country or Region Names: Track news and developments in specific countries or regions you're interested in (e.g., "China," "Middle East," "European Union").
    • International Organisations: Monitor updates from organisations like the UN, NATO, World Bank, or specific UN agencies (e.g., UNHCR, WHO).
    • Global Issues: Stay informed about topics like climate change, human rights, trade wars, migration, or specific conflicts (e.g., "Ukraine conflict," "South China Sea").
    • Political Leaders: Track news and speeches from influential political figures or heads of state.
    • Policy Areas: Follow developments in specific policy areas like foreign policy, international law, or global health.

  3. Customise Your Alerts:

    • Sources: Choose the types of sources you want to monitor (e.g., news, blogs, academic articles, government websites).
    • Region: Select the geographic region relevant to your research (e.g., global, Europe, Asia).
    • Frequency: Determine how often you want to receive alerts (e.g., daily, weekly, as-it-happens).

Tips for Using Google Alerts in Global Affairs Research

  • Refine Your Search Terms: Experiment with different combinations of keywords and phrases to find the most relevant alerts (e.g., "human rights violations China," "trade war US China").
  • Use Quotation Marks: Enclose phrases in quotation marks to search for exact matches (e.g., "Belt and Road Initiative").
  • Exclude Terms: Use the minus sign (-) to exclude irrelevant terms (e.g., "Africa -animals").
  • Combine Search Terms: Use the "OR" operator to search for multiple terms (e.g., "climate change OR global warming").
  • Be Selective: Don't overload your inbox. Start with a few essential alerts and add more as needed.
  • Verify Information: Always cross-reference information from Google Alerts with credible sources (e.g., academic journals, think tank reports, reputable news outlets) before using it in your research.

Benefits and Limitations

  • Benefits: Google Alerts can help you:
    • Stay up-to-date with the latest global news and events.
    • Track policy changes and diplomatic developments.
    • Monitor public discourse and media coverage of international issues.
    • Discover emerging research and publications in your field of interest.
  • Limitations: Google Alerts may not capture all relevant information, particularly academic research published in specialised databases. It's best used as a supplemental tool alongside other research methods.