Navigating the Ethical Maze: Dynamic Risk Management and Adaptive Ethics in High-Stakes Field Research in Egypt

This article examines the ethical challenges and risk management strategies employed during qualitative fieldwork conducted in Egypt in 2019, amidst an increasingly oppressive political environment hostile to academic research. It presents a framework for implementing dynamic risk assessment and adaptive ethical practices in high-stakes field research settings. The study introduces the concept of the Field Research Risk Escalation Curve, illustrating how risks can increase over time due to expanding sample size, growing sense of security, and increasing data collection temptation. To mitigate these escalating risks, the article emphasises the importance of continuous situational awareness, periodic risk reassessment, and flexible adaptation of research strategies.Key ethical considerations addressed include obtaining informed consent without written documentation, protecting participant anonymity, and managing data securely in a volatile political context. The article argues for a comprehensive approach to risk assessment that considers potential harm not only to the researcher and participants, but also to their extended social networks.The article advocates for institutional support in the form of specialised training for researchers working in oppressive contexts, separate from formal ethics approval processes. This would allow for candid discussion of identified risks and mitigation strategies without jeopardising research access. By sharing strategies for navigating the complex ethical landscape of conducting research in oppressive environments, this article contributes to the ongoing dialogue on balancing academic rigour with participant safety in cross-cultural qualitative research. It underscores the need for continuous ethical reflection and adaptation throughout the research process, from pre-fieldwork planning to post-fieldwork data management and dissemination.