Leaked email data: a new source for the study of authoritarian regimes

This article examines the significance and practical challenges of using leaked email data for academic research into the inner mechanisms of non-democratic regimes, with a focus on Russia’s hybrid warfare against Ukraine. While investigative journalism and open-source intelligence have immensely benefited from leaked email data, academia has largely distanced itself from this novel type of reference and related empirical findings. Initial scholarly endeavors utilizing leaked emails highlight two key issues: 1) the authenticity of leaked data and the specifics of its interpretation and verification; and 2) research ethics concerning the privacy of leaked email account holders. I argue that traceability and ethical dilemmas should be addressed in tandem, considering the wider public good. The findings of this article may also apply to the study of other authoritarian regimes, such as China and Iran.