Improving Data Collection on Nonproliferation Assistance Projects and Programs Using Social Media

Abstract

The primary purpose of this capstone research project was the exploration of state-managed social media as a viable methodology to fill knowledge gaps in known assistance programs and projects by member states regarding the activities pertinent to the United Nations’ Resolution 1540. To this end, six states were chosen to narrow the focus of the team’s research, and following the creation of a methodology, their social media apparatuses were examined for useful and relevant information. The overarching conclusion drawn was that while state social media may be used to find information about 1540 assistance programs and projects, the number of items found using the methodology developed was fairly small, and furthermore did not provide data that was particularly relevant to the ASI database that Stimson curates. For this reason, this team does not recommend the use of this practice going forward. Even though the methodology developed did not provide the watershed results hoped for, some relevant information was found that this team considers useful for the Stimson center as they move forward with updating the ASI database. The first two points of relevant data are in relation to language. The use of native speakers may provide more complete results from social media research, as colloquialism and technical translations may be carried out in a more accurate manner, as despite the best efforts of researchers there is most likely information that was missed due to gaps in language knowledge. Furthermore, it is highly recommended that both native language social media accounts, as well as other official accounts in a different language, be looked at separately, as these second language accounts are not always carbon copies of the original and may contain pertinent information not available in the original and vice versa.