Using qualitative data to analyze defense policies: future or utopia?

This paper aims at demonstrating the methodological and epistemological added value of secondary analysis of qualitative data (saqd) in political science research on defence issues. Although mainly under-used, the saqd is of convincing interest for researchers working on defence issues, as the collection of first-hand qualitative data can be complex on this type of research topics. Starting with an epistemological and methodological reflection on the saqd's method itself, the article proposes an application of this approach to political science research on defence issues. It also highlights, in a reflexive manner, the inevitable challenges and pitfalls to be taken into account and proposes a reflexive use of saqd as well as perspectives particularly on the issue of storing the primary qualitative data.