Ethical Challenges and Multidisciplinary Norms in Terrorism Studies

Abstract For terrorism studies to continue to grow, there needs to be a continued proliferation of primary research. This is one of the five core claims of this book series, and it is particularly relevant for this chapter. A significant aspect of this growth needs to be the continued and accelerated assessment of research ethics related to researching terrorism. Until very recently, there has not been an appropriately structured discussion on this crucial aspect of our research, but change is afoot. Through engagement with the emerging literature on this topic, and beyond, this chapter critically assesses the ethical challenges, dilemmas, and myths relating to terrorism studies, most specifically fieldwork and interviews. The chapter suggests the Framework for Research Ethics in Terrorism Studies (FRETS) as a structure by which we can address these issues. Included within this analysis is a consideration of how contemporary terrorism research fits within well-established multidisciplinary ethical norms.