Research Guides: IR 213 Global Economy: Finding Data

Finding Data

Data used in research for International Relations comes from a multitude of sources including: government organizations, international organizations, and individual researchers/research groups. This is best illustrated by the many organizations from which Gapminder obtained data (for details, see https://www.gapminder.org/data/).

Unfortunately, there is not one comprehensive data source that will address all the topics for this assignment. The sources listed below are provided as starting points to give you a sense of the types of data available. Many of you will have to locate additional sources for your data. International/intergovernmental organizations are great places to start. For example, if you are researching trade, you might check the website of the World Trade Organization and other trade-related organizations to see what statistics they publish.

Selected Statistical Sources for IR

World Bank
Comprehensive source of development-related statistics including economic, social, and environmental indicators. TIP: Start by selecting the list to "Browse by Indicator" or go to "Databank" to access the complete World Development Indicators database.
Organization for Economic Development (OECD)
Data is available for the OECD member countries and covers various economic and social themes including several globalization-related indicators such as, Foreign Direct Investment and Official Development Assistance. Some data on patents. TIP: Start by selecting the drop-down menu to "Browse by Topic" or select "Database Access" to access the complete OCED.stat database.
UN Data
UNdata is a web-based data service for the global user community. It brings international statistical databases within easy reach of users through a single-entry point. Users can search and download a variety of statistical resources compiled by the United Nations (UN) statistical system and other international agencies. The numerous databases or tables collectively known as "datamarts" contain over 60 million data points and cover a wide range of statistical themes including agriculture, crime, communication, development assistance, education, energy, environment, finance, gender, health, labour market, manufacturing, national accounts, population and migration, science and technology, tourism, transport and trade.

Two Rules for Using Data

Go to the original source. If you see data quoted someplace that you would like to use for this project, see if you can track down the original source of the data. This way you can be confident the data have been accurately reproduced and when you go to the original source you might find more current data as well as additional data points on the topic.
Know what is being measured. Take time to make sure you fully understand what the data represent. If it isn't readily clear how Official Development Assistance is being measured, for example, find out!