What if the Case is ‘Elusive’? Methodological Challenges for Qualitative Research in International Relations and Global Governance

Case study research plays an important role for social and political scientists working within the qualitative tradition, with the field of international relations (IR) being no exception. This article provides methodological reflections on the challenges of investigating ‘elusive’ cases within the global governance domain of IR. Taking stock of my experience of studying global multi-stakeholder partnerships (MSPs), I discuss the advantages and drawbacks of conducting online elite interviews and online event observation. I show that the practical benefits of carrying out online fieldwork come with the downside of possibly obtaining only a superficial understanding of individual cases. Arguing that challenges stem not only from logistical constraints but also from ‘inevitable’ methodological limitations, I reflect on the potential impact of these dynamics on interpretive research. Ultimately, I call for deeper epistemological debates on the role of qualitative case study research in the IR field. In addition to providing insights into methodological challenges arising from studying ‘elusive’ case studies, the article offers three potential counterstrategies: I argue that a combination of careful case selection, enhanced triangulation and transparent reporting can help mitigate these methodological challenges. In the conclusion of the article, I also suggest potential avenues for future case-study based global governance research as far as type of actor and policy field are concerned.