In view of the major methodological challenges which confront researchers in public diplomacy (PD), the paper recognizes the method of comparative-historical analysis (CHA) as an eminently suitable approach for robust empirical studies. The paper starts by exploring different conceptualizations and operationalizations of public diplomacy. Subsequently, four defining characteristics of CHA are identified: (1) CHA starts from a positivist epistemological perspective; (2) CHA-based research usually is concerned with “big questions;” (3) comparative methods are applied in CHA, either across different cases or within cases across time, allowing for in-depth analyses; (4) by considering respective starting points, specific historical developments, and cultural particulars, CHA is committed to methods drawn from historical research, including process tracing and causal narrative. The paper demonstrates that CHA, in view of these characteristics and with its highly interdisciplinary pedigree and methodological eclecticism, is eminently suited for studies exploring PD practices and outcomes. To provide a tailor-made approach for such endeavors, CHA is innovatively combined with the method of structured, focused comparison. Finally, drawing on both the different operationalizations of PD and the requirements of CHA, a comprehensive matrix for CHA-based PD research is presented, offering a tangible framework for future empirical analyses.

鉴于公共外交 (PD) 研究人员面临的主要方法论挑战，本文认为比较历史分析 (CHA) 方法非常适合进行稳健的实证研究。本文首先探讨了公共外交的不同概念化和操作化。随后，确定了 CHA 的四个定义特征： (1) CHA 从实证主义认识论的角度出发；(2) 基于CHA的研究通常关注“大问题”；(3)在CHA中应用比较方法，可以跨不同案例或跨时间案例进行深入分析；(4)考虑到各自的出发点、具体的历史发展和文化特点，CHA致力于从历史研究中汲取的方法，包括过程追踪和因果叙述。该论文表明，鉴于这些特征及其高度跨学科的谱系和方法论折衷主义，CHA 非常适合探索 PD 实践和结果的研究。为了为此类努力提供量身定制的方法，CHA 创新地与结构化、重点比较的方法相结合。最后，利用 PD 的不同操作和 CHA 的要求，提出了一个基于 CHA 的 PD 研究的综合矩阵，为未来的实证分析提供了一个切实的框架。为了为此类努力提供量身定制的方法，CHA 创新地与结构化、重点比较的方法相结合。最后，利用 PD 的不同操作和 CHA 的要求，提出了一个基于 CHA 的 PD 研究的综合矩阵，为未来的实证分析提供了一个切实的框架。为了为此类努力提供量身定制的方法，CHA 创新地与结构化、重点比较的方法相结合。最后，利用 PD 的不同操作和 CHA 的要求，提出了一个基于 CHA 的 PD 研究的综合矩阵，为未来的实证分析提供了一个切实的框架。