Research Begins

Today I conducted my first interview for my thesis research. For those of you who don’t know, I am looking into UN, EU, and American efforts to reform Balkan governments in regards to illicit arms trades, a legacy of the 1990’s conflict. After literally spending an entire day trying to figure out how to correctly use Croatian phones, I finally had an interview arranged. The subject of today’s interview was a UN/EU official working on arms control negotiations with the Croatian government. What I expected was a bland conversation with a late middle-age Brussels bureaucrat in a $700 suit under the fluorescent whitewash of a UN Embassy office; I was wrong. I met this guy in an upscale café near the main square in Zagreb and his appearance immediately threw me off my game. He was more like Brad Pitt from Spy Game than the Hans Blitz stereotype I had in my head. As I started into my questions, he interrupted to ask how I planned to cite the information. A lot of the organizations I have dealt with so far have been very concerned that they and their partners get full credit for the information they provide since they depend on some level of visibility for continued funding, so I start into my standard schpeel about how I will faithfully cite his title and organization and any organizational partners he wants me to include. His reaction to this was also unexpected, which I can only describe as visceral alarm. He then informed me that everything he said was to be strictly background unless I resubmitted specific quotes to him for approval. I agreed and tried too keep from cracking a Cheshire grin; this was going to be a great interview. As my questions got going again, he got up and suggested we move to some place else to talk. We walked down the main square and took a seat at an outdoor café that was a little more private.

Most of the info I got from the interviewee was not truly citable since the juiciest stuff relied on hearsay and he certainly wasn’t willing to have his name next to it. However, all these tidbits and the wealth of contact information he provided were extremely helpful. His steadfast protection of his opinions and sensitive information was due the delicate relationship he has to maintain with the Croatian government. Having the wrong thing put into print could cause serious damage to his work.

Tonight we are headed to Split, Croatia by train. From where we will head to Dubrovnik (and the ocean) if all goes as planned. I really don’t know if we’ll be in Split, Dubrovnik, or in between tomorrow night. I have no idea if we will be able to post in the next few days, but hopefully if we do it will be pictures of sun and sand.

P.S. I’m watching the Croatian version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” and the Croatian Regis is hilarious.

P.P.S. The Ravnice Youth Hostel is great! If you ever find yourself in Zagreb and need a cheap fun place to stay, do yourself a favor and stay here. However, make sure and avoid rooms with snoring Scottish girls.