This chapter reflects on issues encountered in trying to gain access to potential interviewees for doctoral research on nuclear arms control negotiations. The fieldwork involved travel to New York and to Moscow, and in both cities the author’s experiences launched her on a journey of understanding surrounding the negotiation of her research identity. These experiences included the presence of power relations throughout her interviews in New York and difficulties accessing interviewees in Moscow due to her status as a Western researcher. Aware that others might venture on challenging or dangerous fieldtrips, the author includes personal reflections to underline the transformational nature of the journey and the inherent worries and insecurities that any fieldwork can trigger. The chapter concludes with several key learning points for students concerning research in the field.
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