political science phd dissertation topics

Research Topics & Ideas: Politics

100+ Politics-Related Research Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Political science research topics and ideas

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation or thesis. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a politics-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of politically-related research ideas across a range of disciplines, including political theory and philosophy, comparative politics, international relations, public administration and policy.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. Also, be sure to sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic from scratch.

Overview: Politics-Related Topics

Political theory and philosophy
Comparative politics
International relations
Public administration
Public policy
Examples of politics-related dissertations

Topics & Ideas: Political Theory

An analysis of the impact of feminism on political theory and the concept of citizenship in Saudi Arabia in the context of Vision 2030
A comparative study of the political philosophies of Marxism and liberalism and their influence on modern politics
An examination of how the Covid-19 pandemic affected the relationship between individual freedom and collective responsibility in political philosophy
A study of the impact of race and ethnicity on French political philosophy and the concept of justice
An exploration of the role of religion in political theory and its impact on secular democracy in the Middle East
A Review of Social contract theory, comparative analysis of the political philosophies of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau
A study of the concept of the common good in political philosophy and its relevance to the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe
An examination of the relationship between political power and the rule of law in developing African countries
A study of the impact of postmodernism on political theory and the concept of truth, a case study of the US
An exploration of the role of virtue in political philosophy and its impact on the assessment of moral character in political leaders

Topics & Ideas: Comparative Politics

A comparative study of different models of federalism and their impact on democratic governance: A case Study of South American federalist states
The impact of ethnic and religious diversity on political stability and democracy in developing countries, a review of literature from Africa
An analysis of the role of civil society in promoting democratic change in autocratic regimes: A case study in Sweden
A comparative examination of the impact of globalization on political institutions and processes in South America and Africa.
A study of the factors that contribute to successful democratization in authoritarian regimes, a review of the role of Elite-driven democratization
A comparison of the political and economic systems of China and India and their impact on social development
The impact of corruption on political institutions and democracy in South East Asia, a critical review
A comparative examination of the impact of majoritarian representation (winner-take-all) vs proportional representation on political representation and governance
An exploration of Multi-party systems in democratic countries and their impact on minority representation and policy-making.
A study of the factors that contribute to successful decentralization and regional autonomy, a case study of Spain

Research Topic Kickstarter - Need Help Finding A Research Topic?

Topics & Ideas: International Relations

A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of diplomacy and military force in resolving international conflicts in Central Africa.
The impact of globalization on the sovereignty of nation-states and the changing nature of international politics, a review of the role of Multinational Corporations
An examination of the role of international aid organizations in promoting peace, security, and development in the Middle East.
A study of the impact of economic interdependence on the likelihood of conflict in international relations: A critical review of weaponized interdependence
A comparative analysis of the foreign policies of the EU and the US and their impact on international stability in Africa
An exploration of the relationship between international human rights and national sovereignty during the Covid 19 pandemic
A study of the role of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAO)s in international politics and their impact on state behaviour
A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of international regimes in addressing global challenges such as climate change, arms control, and terrorism in Brazil
An examination of the impact of the rise of BRICS on the international system and global governance
A study of the role of ideology in shaping the foreign policies of states and the dynamics of international relations in the US

Free Webinar: How To Find A Dissertation Research Topic

Tops & Ideas: Public Administration

An analysis of the impact of digital technology on public administration and the delivery of public services in Estonia
A review of models of public-private partnerships and their impact on the delivery of public services in Ghana
An examination of the role of civil society organizations in monitoring and accountability of public administration in Papua New Guinea
A study of the impact of environmentalism as a political ideology on public administration and policy implementation in Germany
An exploration of the relationship between public administration and citizen engagement in the policy-making process, an exploration of gender identity concerns in schools
A comparative analysis of the efficiency and effectiveness of public administration, decentralisation and pay and employment reform in developing countries
A study of the role of collaborative leadership in public administration and its impact on organizational performance
A systematic review of the challenges and opportunities related to diversity and inclusion in police services
A study of the impact of corrupt public administration on economic development and regional growth in Eastern Europe
An exploration of the relationship between public administration and civil rights and liberties, including issues related to privacy and surveillance, a case study in South Korea

Topics & Ideas: Public Policy

An analysis of the impacts of public policy on income inequality and poverty reduction in South Sudan
A comparative study of the effectiveness of legal and regulatory, economic and financial, and social and cultural instruments for addressing climate change in South Korea
An examination of the role of interest groups in shaping public policy and the policy-making process regarding land-use claims
A study of the impact of globalization on the development of public policies and programs for mitigating climate change in Singapore
An exploration of the relationship between public policy and social justice in tertiary education in the UAE
A comparative analysis of the impact of health policies for the management of diabetes on access to healthcare and health outcomes in developing countries
Exploring the role of evidence-based policymaking in the design and implementation of public policies for the management of invasive invertebrates in Australia
An examination of the challenges and opportunities of implementing educational dietary public policies in developing multicultural countries
A study of the impact of public policies on urbanization and urban development in rural Indonesia
An exploration of the role of media and public opinion in shaping public policy and the policy-making process in the transport industry of Malaysia

Examples: Politics Dissertations & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a politics-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various politics-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

We, the Righteous Few: Immoral Actions of Fellow Partisans are Judged as Less Possible (Varnam, 2020)
Civilizing the State: Civil Society and the Politics of Primary Public Health Care Provision in Urban Brazil (Gibson, 2012)
Political regimes and minority language policies: evidence from Taiwan and southeast Asia (Wu, 2021)
The Feminist Third Wave: Social Reproduction, Feminism as Class Struggle, and Contemporary Women’s Movements (Angulo, 2019)
The Politics of Immigration under Authoritarianism (Joo, 2019)
The politics of digital platforms: Sour Dictionary, activist subjectivities, and contemporary cultures of resistance (Okten, 2019)
Vote choice and support for diverse candidates on the Boston City Council At-Large (Dolcimascolo, 2022)
The city agenda: local governance and national influence in the policy agenda, 1900-2020 (Shannon, 2022)
Turf wars: who supported measures to criminalize homelessness in Austin, Texas? (Bompiedi, 2021)
Do BITs Cause Opposition Between Investor Rights and Environmental Protection? (Xiong, 2022)
Revealed corruption and electoral accountability in Brazil: How politicians anticipate voting behavior (Diaz, 2021)
Intersectional Solidarity: The Political Consequences of a Consciousness of Race, Gender and Sexuality (Crowder, 2020)
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Coalitional Representation of Latinxs in the U.S. House of Representatives (Munoz, 2019)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. In other words, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Get 1:1 Help

If you’re still feeling a bit unsure about how to find a research topic for your dissertation or research project, check out our Topic Kickstarter service below.

You Might Also Like:

Topic Kickstarter: Research topics in education

Interesting thesis.

I really appreciate your work which will greatly help me rethink on my topic

Please how can I get the full thesis?

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Print Friendly

Verify originality of an essay

Get ideas for your paper

Find top study documents

100 Original Political Science Research Topics

Updated 13 Jun 2024

Political Science research papers can easily become overly complex and weak if there are too many ideas scattered across assignment. In order to remedy such situation, choose suitable political science research topics that not only meet initial requirements, but suit author’s personal interest and skills. It should be noted that such assignments are written by Law students, educators, sociologists, or philosophers.

At EduBirdie, we offer professional research paper for sale service, providing direct contact with assigned writer and plagiarism-free work. With expert checking of grammar, structure, formatting, 24/7 online support, as well as academic sources inclusion, excellent results are guaranteed.

5 Do’s & 5 Don’ts of Political Papers

Things that are important for any political science research paper:

Always make sure that opposite opinion or counter argument paragraph is included before conclusion part.
Backup provided facts with reliable academic sources.
Turn to statistics & data to support provided ideas.
Research related literature & similar projects.
Adhere to one idea - one paragraph rule.

Things that you should avoid while completing a research paper for political science class:

Addressing sensitive subjects, do not use harsh tone.
Unless working with personal reflection, avoid portrayal of only one side of an issue.
Stay neutral when talking of political parties. In such way, it allows seeing benefits & flaws of each actor on his or her own.
Do not use extensive quoting unless absolutely necessary.
Avoid colloquial language along with slang term elements.

Need more writing assistance?

Connect with our top writers and receive a paper sample on political science crafted to your needs.

100 Political Science Research Topics

Political science research topics on comparative politics.

This study field focuses on empirical approach, including comparative methods. Practical examples may include domestic politics, institutions analysis, and diverse conflicts related to domestic or international issues. When choosing such topic, it’s necessary to focus not on study object per se, but on method that is implemented for particular political science issue analysis. Examples can be two parties politics comparison, check some research topics:

Comparative Analysis of Electoral Systems in Democracies Worldwide
The Impact of Political Culture on Policy Making: A Cross-National Study
Federalism vs. Unitarism: A Comparative Study of Government Structures
Political Party Systems: A Comparative Analysis of European Countries
The Role of Civil Society in Democratic Consolidation: A Comparative Perspective
Authoritarian Regimes in the 21st Century: A Comparative Study
Comparative Study of Political Corruption in Emerging Economies
Welfare State Models in Scandinavia and Southern Europe: A Comparative Analysis
The Influence of Religion on Politics: A Comparative Study of Middle Eastern and Western Countries
Political Responses to Immigration: A Comparative Study of the U.S. and Europe
Environmental Policies: A Comparative Analysis of Developed and Developing Countries
The Impact of Globalization on National Sovereignty: A Comparative Study
Women in Politics: A Comparative Analysis of Gender Quotas in Different Countries
The Effectiveness of Counter-Terrorism Policies: A Comparative Study
Social Media and Political Mobilization: A Comparative Analysis of Different Political Regimes

International Relations Political Science Research Topics

Quoting Hans Morgenthau, one can assume that international politics deal with power balance between actors in the international arena. All these struggle involved, filled with conflicts, negotiations, along with controversies take minds of scientists all over the world as they try their best to achieve peaceful resolution of occurring issues. From human rights, global poverty to global ethics, globalization, environmental issues, and security. Here are research topic examples:

The Role of International Organizations in Mediating Global Conflicts
China's Rising Influence in International Politics: Opportunities and Challenges
The Impact of Globalization on Sovereignty of Nation-States
Climate Change Diplomacy: International Efforts and Agreements
Cybersecurity and International Relations: Emerging Threats and Policies
The Effectiveness of Economic Sanctions as a Foreign Policy Tool
The Role of Soft Power in Shaping International Public Opinion
Post-Brexit European Union: Challenges and Prospects for International Relations
The Influence of Non-State Actors in Shaping Global Policies
Nuclear Proliferation and International Security: Case Studies of Iran and North Korea
The United Nations' Role in Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution
Human Rights and International Law: Case Studies of Violations and Responses
The Impact of International Trade Agreements on National Economies
Refugee Crises and International Response: Policy and Humanitarian Perspectives
The Dynamics of US-China Relations in the Context of Global Power Shifts

Read also: Hire a professional research paper writer and receive a plagiarism-free paper.

Save your time with free essay samples on International Relations

Political science philosophy research topics.

This science branch deals with fundamental state legislation aspects, government, liberty, democracy, justice, and legal code mechanics as issued by authority. Most political science essay topics dealing with this subject speak about how society should be set up, what ethics should be applied. There are many political topics to write about. Here are practical topic examples:

The Evolution of Social Contract Theory from Hobbes to Rawls
Analyzing Machiavelli's Influence on Modern Political Thought
The Concept of Justice in Plato’s and Aristotle’s Philosophies
John Locke's Political Philosophy and Its Impact on Liberal Democracies
The Role of Power and Ethics in Foucault's Political Analysis
Hannah Arendt’s Views on Totalitarianism and Modern Political Crises
Karl Marx's Theory of Class Struggle and Its Relevance Today
The Intersection of Feminist Theory and Political Philosophy
Rousseau’s Concept of General Will and Its Implications for Modern Democracy
The Philosophy of Human Rights: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives
Utilitarianism in Political Decision-Making: Benefits and Limitations
Libertarianism vs. Communitarianism: A Philosophical Debate
The Impact of Postmodernism on Contemporary Political Theory
Thomas Hobbes and the Notion of State of Nature in Political Philosophy
The Concept of Liberty in the Philosophies of Isaiah Berlin and John Stuart Mill

Political Science Research Topics on Public Administration

This science studies daily functions performed by governmental structures, public administrators work, and various agencies implementation that administer functioning of laws, regulations, as well as introduced policies. Also, many subjects deal with Sociology. Our experts offer such research topics:

The Role of Public Administration in Crisis Management and Response
E-Government and Digital Transformation in Public Administration
Public Policy Analysis: Case Studies of Successful Policy Implementations
The Impact of Public Administration on Urban Development and Planning
Comparative Study of Bureaucratic Systems in Different Countries
Public Sector Reforms: Best Practices and Lessons Learned
The Role of Ethics and Accountability in Public Administration
Public-Private Partnerships: Benefits, Challenges, and Opportunities
The Influence of Political Leadership on Public Administration Efficiency
Innovations in Public Service Delivery: Case Studies from Around the World
The Impact of Globalization on National Public Administration Systems
Decentralization and Local Governance: Challenges and Opportunities
The Role of Public Administration in Environmental Policy and Sustainability
Human Resource Management Practices in the Public Sector
The Effectiveness of Public Administration in Healthcare Policy Implementation

Political Science Research Topics on Public Law

It is part of law that studies relationships between state and public members. In terms of challenges, it covers broad range of topics from administrative law, constitution, taxes, and criminal legislation among others. It should not be confused with Private Law that deals with families, small groups, private businesses where economics and more personal issues are considered. Public Law deals with administrative authority in relation to citizens. As an example, when certain decision is questioned, individual society member can ask for plea or review analysis by state authority. Even if it sounds too complex, here are interesting political science research questions samples to inspire you for a great research topic:

The Evolution of Constitutional Law in Emerging Democracies
Judicial Review and Its Impact on Democratic Governance
Comparative Analysis of Civil Liberties in Different Legal Systems
The Role of International Law in Resolving Territorial Disputes
Human Rights Legislation: Global Trends and National Impacts
The Effectiveness of Anti-Corruption Laws in Different Political Systems
Public Law and Its Role in Regulating Cybersecurity and Privacy
Environmental Law and Policy: International Agreements and National Implementation
The Influence of Lobbying on Public Policy and Lawmaking
Legal Frameworks for Immigration and Refugee Policies in Various Countries
The Intersection of Public Law and Health Care Policies during Pandemics
Freedom of Speech and Press: Legal Boundaries and Political Implications
The Impact of Public Law on Economic Development and Trade Policies
Gender Equality Legislation: Comparative Studies of Different Nations
The Role of Public Law in Regulating Artificial Intelligence and Technology

Elevate your papers with professional touch!

Zero AI - 100% human-crafted content
Tailored to your writing style
Guaranteed to pass Turnitin
Sourced from the latest, reliable materials

Political Science Research Topics

What we have here is analysis and an in-depth study of processes that relate to politics. A scientist can approach certain event and study cause-and-effect of an issue, study political leader personality or write reflection essay about police officers behavior that have bias towards African American teenagers or those that wear a hood. It does cover sensitive topics, yet what makes it unique is scientific approach along with paper structure. Political science research paper topics should be researchable and include sufficient amount of academic sources. Here are some topics to consider:

The Political Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Global Governance
Analyzing the Role of Social Media in Modern Political Revolutions
The Influence of Space Exploration on International Relations and Policy
Political Consequences of Climate Change on Small Island Developing States
The Rise of Virtual States: Implications for Traditional Sovereignty
Cyber Warfare and Its Effects on National Security Policies
The Politics of Pandemics: COVID-19 and Global Political Transformations
The Role of Youth Movements in Shaping Contemporary Political Agendas
The Impact of Cryptocurrencies on National and Global Economics
Political Dimensions of Deep Sea Resource Exploitation
The Influence of Celebrity Culture on Political Campaigns and Elections
The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Shaping Environmental Policies
The Politics of Water Scarcity and Its Global Security Implications
The Intersection of Neuroscience and Ethics in Political Decision Making
The Future of Work: Political Responses to Automation and AI in the Labor Market

Political Theorists Research Topics

As with any scientific field, theorists works take honorary place, especially when student should complete dissertation and include extensive literature review. To make matters easier, it is recommended by most college professors in the United States to examine works and political science theorists legacy. While such paper may not provide answers to global issues. Moreover, students can also choose comparative politics research questions by comparing several important personalities. Check this research topic ideas:

The Political Theories of John Rawls and Their Contemporary Relevance
Hannah Arendt's Analysis of Totalitarianism in the 21st Century
Michel Foucault's Concept of Power and Its Application in Modern Politics
The Influence of Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan on Modern State Theory
Karl Marx's Critique of Capitalism: Relevance in Today's Global Economy
Machiavelli's The Prince and Its Impact on Modern Political Leadership
The Contributions of Simone de Beauvoir to Feminist Political Thought
Jürgen Habermas and the Concept of the Public Sphere in Democratic Societies
Max Weber's Theory of Bureaucracy and Its Modern Interpretations
The Political Ideas of Frantz Fanon and Post-Colonial Studies
Isaiah Berlin's Two Concepts of Liberty and Modern Liberal Thought
Ayn Rand's Objectivism and Its Influence on Libertarian Politics
The Relevance of Rousseau's Social Contract in Contemporary Political Debates
Antonio Gramsci's Theory of Cultural Hegemony and Its Modern Applications
John Stuart Mill's Utilitarianism and Its Role in Contemporary Policy Making

Political Conflicts Research Topics

Ranging from economic battles and elections to interests of each country in natural resources, most American senior college professors in different disciplines advice choosing social issues topics . Just look at countries that are in the middle of conflicts and focus on causes & effects at each stage. Here are several research topic examples:

The Geopolitical Dynamics of the South China Sea Dispute
The Political and Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen: Causes and Consequences
The Role of International Actors in the Syrian Conflict
The Impact of Brexit on Political Stability in Europe
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Historical Roots and Future Prospects
The North Korean Nuclear Crisis: Regional and Global Implications
The Political Ramifications of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
The United States-Iran Tensions: A Study of Escalation and Diplomacy
The Venezuelan Crisis: Political, Economic, and Social Dimensions
The Kashmir Conflict: Historical Background and Current Developments
The Role of Ethnicity in the Rwandan Genocide
The Cyprus Dispute: A Study of Divided Nations and International Mediation
The Impact of Climate Change on Political Conflicts in Africa
The Political Aftermath of the Arab Spring in the Middle East
The Role of Resource Wealth in Fueling Conflicts in Sub-Saharan Africa

Political Science Research Topics on Conflict Resolution

It studies peaceful resolution methods of conflicting issues that vary from custody battles, gender bias in the workplace, and up to international conflicts with several countries involved. Most conflicts relate to social studies project topics because there is always socio-cultural argumentation to start with. Each conflict should be analyzed by offering background, methodology, clear structure, and strong thesis. Here are interesting topics for brainstorming:

The Effectiveness of the United Nations in Mediating International Conflicts
Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Reconciliation in Rwanda
The Role of Women in Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
The Impact of International Sanctions on Conflict Resolution
The Oslo Accords: Lessons in Middle East Peace Negotiations
The Use of Track II Diplomacy in Resolving International Disputes
The Challenges of Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration in Post-Conflict Societies
The Role of Regional Organizations in Conflict Resolution: The Case of ASEAN
The Impact of Natural Resources on Conflict and Its Resolution in Africa
Cyber Conflict Resolution: Emerging Trends and Strategies
The Role of International Courts in Resolving Territorial Disputes
The Impact of Climate Change on Resource Scarcity and Conflict
The Effectiveness of Peacekeeping Missions in Civil War Situations
The Role of Grassroots Movements in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding
The Influence of External Actors on Internal Conflict Dynamics and Resolution Strategies

Read also: When is it better to pay someone to write my research paper ?

Political Science Research Topics on Mediation & Negotiation

While negotiation deals with finding suitable compromise or conditions in a process, mediation stands for intervention in certain dispute with an aim to resolve it. It can be compared to arbitration, yet with involvement of good third party that is impartial. Topics also relate to conflicts and elections often covered by media.

The Role of Mediation in Resolving the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
International Mediation Efforts in the Syrian Civil War
The Effectiveness of UN Mediation in Global Conflict Zones
The Impact of Cultural Differences on International Negotiation Processes
The Use of Shuttle Diplomacy in Modern International Relations
The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Conflict Mediation
Mediation Strategies in the South China Sea Territorial Disputes
The Influence of Economic Interests in International Negotiation Outcomes
The Challenges of Mediating Conflicts in Failed States
The Evolution of Mediation Techniques in Diplomatic Relations
The Role of Track II Diplomacy in De-escalating Political Tensions
The Impact of Social Media on Public Perception of International Negotiations
The Use of Mediation to Resolve Electoral Disputes in Developing Countries
The Effectiveness of Good Offices in International Dispute Resolution
The Role of International Law in Mediation and Negotiation Processes

Professional & Urgent Writing Help

Choose EduBirdie, when you need research paper writing help from writers who are native speakers with Masters or PhD degrees in relevant disciplines, including political science. Staying in direct contact with writer, it is easy to make adjustments and corrections. Offering help from topic selection, finding of sources to research proposal help, we pride ourselves as reliable service that handles even most urgent tasks in any subject. With affordable prices and plagiarism-free work, there’s no risk involved. Just sign up and receive your own custom paper!

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback.

Written by David Kidwell

David is one of those experienced content creators from the United Kingdom who has a high interest in social issues, culture, and entrepreneurship. He always says that reading, blogging, and staying aware of what happens in the world is what makes a person responsible. He likes to learn and share what he knows by making things inspiring and creative enough even for those students who dislike reading.

150+ Medical research paper topics for students

Med Research Topics: What Makes a Good One? Several essential attributes characterize an excellent medical research topic. First and foremost, i...

How to conduct research: best tips from experienced EduBirdie writers

Have you ever got your scholarly task and been unsure how to start research? Are you a first-year student beginning your project? Whatever the case...

Join our 150K of happy users

Get original papers written according to your instructions
Save time for what matters most

Make a Gift
Directories

Search form

You are here, dissertations.

	Research Type	Related Fields
	,
	,	, ,
	,	, ,
	,	, ,
	,	,
	,	, ,
	,	,
	,	, ,
	,	, ,
	,	,
	,
	,	,
	,
	,	,
	,	,
	,
	,
	,	, ,
	,
	,	,
	,
	,
	,
	,
	,

Newsletter

Home > USC Columbia > Arts and Sciences > Political Science > Political Science Theses and Dissertations

Political Science Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

A Comparative Measure Of Judicial Legitimacy , Rahul Hemrajani

Where the Constitution Is Silent: Indigenous Rights Jurisprudence in the United States , Anthony Wayne Hobert Jr.

Prosecutorial Discretion: District Attorneys, Public Opinion,and the Localized Rule of Law , Yu-Hsien Sung

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Changing Environment. Changing Attitudes? , Lindsey Brooke Hendren

Interstate Rivalry, Domestic Politics, and Economic Coercion , Shaoshuang Wen

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

International Conflict, Political Leaders, and Accountability , William Thomas Christiansen

Liberalization First, Democratization Later: The Linkage Between Income Inequality, Economic Development, and Democratization , Yi-Tzu Lin

Social Trust and Soft Power: The Role of Social Trust in Democratic Countries’ Soft Power Use , Judit Trunkos

Economic Interdependence, Power, and Peace: A Rationalist Study of Commercial Liberalism , Yuleng Zeng

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Essays on the Political Economy of International Trade and Coups , William Akoto

Judicial Legitimacy and the Dearth of State Supreme Court Knowledge , TJ Kimel

Women in the Governor's Mansion: Breaking the Barrier to Competition , Helen Adair King

Causes and Consequences of Police Militarization , Edward Eugene Lawson, Jr.

Dynamic Environments and Judicial Power , Monica Lineberger

The Dynamics of Vote Buying in Developing Democracies: Party Attachment and Party Competition in Southeast Asia , Matthew Louis Wagner

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Deepening Democracy: Inclusion, Deliberation, And Voice In The Grassroots South , Annie L. Boiter-Jolley

Evangelicals, Perceived Marginalization and Expressive Mobilization , Christin E. McMasters

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

The Economic Foundations of Authoritarian Rule , Clay Robert Fuller

Partisan Polarization, Social Identity, and Deliberative Democracy in the United States , Ryan Strickler

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Being Strategic: Black Legislative Representation In The Republican-Controlled South Carolina House of Representatives , Willie James Black

Leaders in Search of the Bomb: Institutional Incentives for Nuclear Decisions , Paige Price Cone

The Three Dimensionality Model Of State Security And Armed Conflict: Internal And External Dimensions And Lessons From The Middle East , Juri Kim

The Impact of Supreme Court Precedent in a Judicial Hierarchy , Ali Masood

How The European Union’s Criteria For Membership Move Public Opinion , Douglas Page

Information Heterogeneity and Economic Voting: A Cross-National Analysis , Chia-yin Wei

Nothing is the Matter with Kansas: White Southern Exceptionalism in American Politics , Paul White Jr.

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

The Turkish Foreign Policy Under The Justice And Development Party (AKP): A Paradigm Shift? , Ali Demirdas

The Liberal Commercial Peace, Regional Considerations: International Relations of Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the European Union Countries , Chienwu Hsueh

The Political Economy of Property Rights In China: Local Officials, Incentive Structure, And Private Enterprises , Ingrid Yingxia Li

The Domestic Adoption of International Human Rights Law: the Roles of Regional and National High Courts in Latin America , Rebecca Ann Reid

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

TOWARDS COMMON EUROPEAN ENERGY POLICY , Mariam Dekanozishvili

Essays on Battle Clusters in Internal Armed Conflicts and Insurgencies: Concept, Causes and Consequences , Chifeng Liu

The Effects of Political Control and Institutional Structure on State Ethics Commissions , William Jonathan Rauh

Do Americans’ Perceptions of the Prevalence of Prejudice Impact Their Racial Policy Preferences? Investigating Meta-Stereotypes as a Potential Causal Mechanism , Alexandra Reckendorf

How Much Do Groups Still Matter to Politics? An Examination of Group Influences on Public Opinion , Lauren E. Smith

Microfinance and Poverty Reduction: How Risks Associated With Government Policies Affect Whether Microfinance Alleviates Poverty in Latin-America , Brian Warby

Taking Interests and International Conflict More Seriously , Chong-Han Wu

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Protracted Social Conflict: A Reconceptualization and Case Analysis , Melissa M. C. Beaudoin

Race, Class, Gender, and Linked Fate: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of African American Political Partisanship, 1996 and 2004 , Sherral Yolanda Brown-Guinyard

Holding International Public-Private Partnership Accountable: An Analysis of Sensitivity and Vulnerability Dynamics In Ghana'S Water Sector Reform and Its Impact On the Target Population , Xi Chen

The Impact of Ideology and Attorneys On Precedent Usage: An Analysis of State High Courts , Benjamin Kassow

Environmental Footprints of Violent Conflict , Swapna Pathak

Economic Agreements and Interstate Conflict: A Policy Substitution Model of Coercion , Matthew Daniel-Marion Shaffer

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Religion, Electoral Rules and Women's Representation: A Cross National Examination , Wafaa Adnan Alaradi

Postcolonial and Constructivist Theoretical Explanations of Women'S Traditional Agency In Sociopolitical Participation and Reproductive Rights In Present Day Mali and the Pilipinas , Jennifer Almeda

South Africa In Southern Africa: A Comparative Analysis of Economic Integration In the Southern African Development Community Using Hegemonic Stability Theory , William Andrew Jennings

The Relationship Between State Dissatisfaction and the Level of Conflict In State Dyads: the Revised Power Transition Theory , Hsiao-chuan Liao

Fighting In Space: Understanding the Opportunity and Willingness to Pursue Space Weapons , Michael James Martindale

Capital offenses, Non-Capital offenses, and Party Capability: Habeas Corpus Litigation in U.S. District Courts , Nicholas A. Mostardo

How Rivalries End: Understanding Dynamics of the Rivalry Termination Process , Soonkun Oh

State Implementation of the Children's Health Insurance Program: Analyses of Variation In Policy Adoption , Rebecca Layne Russ-Sellers

Female Legislators and the Power of the Purse: Does Gender Affect Government Spending? A Cross-National Analysis , Jennifer Suzanne Tison

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Judging the Bureaucrats: Understanding the Dynamics of Court-Agency Interaction , Michael P. Fix

La Ruta Maya: The Effects of tourism and the State On the Political Behavior Choices of the Maya , Heather Lea Hawn

Presidents and Terminal Logic Behavior: Term Limits and Executive Action In the United States, Brazil, and Argentina , Genevieve M. Kehoe

The Questions of Compliance With the NPT Regime and Complex Multilateral Nuclear Negotiations: A Comparative Analysis of North Korea and Iran As Defector States , Jihyun Kim

The Rule of Law In Times of War: A Comparative Analysis of the Effect of War On High Court Decision-Making , Susanne Schorpp

Between and Beyond Borders: Conflict, International Response, and Forced Migration , Young Hoon Song

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

The War On Terrorism In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. An Academic Analysis of the Growing Phenomenon of Political Violence In the Kingdom. , Faisal M. Al-Madhi

Re-Defining Public Service In An Era of Networked Governance: An Examination of the Influence of Public Service Motivation On Contractors In Homeland Security , Alexa Haddock Bigwarfe

The Power and Authority of the Committee On the Rights of the Child , Aleksandra Chauhan

Does Foreign Direct Investment (Fdi) Affect Conflict? theIntertwined Relationship Between Multinational Corporations (Mncs) and Nation-States , Yi-Hung Chiou

Counterinsurgency Colonels: The Role of the Practitioner In the Evolution of Modern Counterinsurgency , Garrett Scott DeWitt

The Geometry of Racial Politics: The Role of Policy Entrepreneurs In Fostering Triangulation Among U.S. Racial and Ethnic Groups, 1800-1964 , Athena M. King

Passionate Political Talk: Social Networks and the Emotional Impact of Political Discussion , Bryan Michael Parsons

Judges and Their Loyalties: A Comparative Study Focused On the Venezuelan Supreme Court , Raul A. Sanchez Urribarri

International Law In the Supreme Court of the United States: An Empirical Analysis , Alan Michael Tauber

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Wolves In Chic Clothing: Gender, Media and the Securitization of Female Suicide Bombers , Mekell Mikell

Advanced Search

Notify me via email or RSS
Collections
Disciplines

Submissions

Give us Feedback
University Libraries

Home | About | FAQ | My Account | Accessibility Statement

Privacy Copyright

Political Science Research Paper Topics

800 Political Science Research Paper Topics

Political science is a dynamic field that offers a multitude of avenues for exploration and inquiry. Whether you are passionate about the intricacies of American politics, fascinated by global affairs, or interested in the intersection of politics with social issues, there’s a wealth of research opportunities awaiting you. This comprehensive list of political science research paper topics has been meticulously curated to help students like you find inspiration and direction for your academic endeavors. Spanning various categories, these topics encompass both foundational principles and contemporary issues, ensuring a diverse range of subjects for your research. As you navigate this extensive collection, let your intellectual curiosity guide you towards a research topic that resonates with your interests and academic goals.

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Get 10% off with 24start discount code.

African Politics

The Role of Youth Movements in African Politics
Assessing the Impact of Neocolonialism on African Nations
Conflict Resolution Strategies in African States
Corruption and Governance Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa
Women’s Participation in African Political Leadership
Comparative Analysis of Post-Colonial African Constitutions
Environmental Policies and Sustainability in African Governments
The African Union’s Role in Regional Stability
Ethnic Conflict and Politics in East Africa
Human Rights Violations and Accountability in African Nations
The Influence of International Aid on African Politics
Media Censorship and Press Freedom in African Nations
Ethnicity and Identity Politics in West Africa
Healthcare Access and Quality in African Countries
Indigenous Governance and Rights in African Societies
Political Economy and Resource Allocation in Oil-Producing Nations
The Impact of Globalization on African Economies
The Legacy of Apartheid in South African Politics
The African Diaspora’s Influence on Homeland Politics
Environmental Conservation and Natural Resource Management in Africa

American Politics

The Role of Third Parties in American Elections
Analyzing the Influence of Lobbying on U.S. Policy
The Impact of Social Media on Political Campaigns
Immigration Policies and the American Dream
Gerrymandering and Its Effects on Electoral Outcomes
The Role of the Electoral College in Presidential Elections
Gun Control and Second Amendment Debates
Healthcare Policy and Access in the United States
Partisanship and Polarization in American Politics
The History and Future of American Democracy
Supreme Court Decisions and Their Political Implications
Environmental Policies and Climate Change in the U.S.
Media Bias and Political Discourse in America
Political Conventions and Their Significance
The Role of Super PACs in Campaign Financing
Civil Rights Movements and Their Impact on U.S. Politics
Trade Policy and Global Economic Relations
National Security and Counterterrorism Strategies
Populism and Its Influence on American Politics
Electoral Reform and Voting Rights in the United States

Asian Politics

China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Global Politics
Democracy Movements in Hong Kong and Taiwan
India’s Foreign Policy and Regional Influence
The North Korea Nuclear Crisis
Environmental Challenges in Southeast Asian Nations
Ethnic Conflict and Identity Politics in South Asia
Economic Growth and Inequality in East Asian Countries
ASEAN’s Role in Regional Security
Japan’s Approach to Pacifism and Defense
Cybersecurity and Cyber Warfare in Asia
Religious Extremism and Political Stability in the Middle East
China-India Border Dispute and Geopolitical Implications
South China Sea Disputes and Maritime Politics
The Rohingya Crisis and Humanitarian Interventions
Political Reform and Authoritarianism in Central Asia
Technological Advancements and Political Change in Asia
The Belt and Road Initiative and Its Impact on Asian Economies
Environmental Conservation Efforts in Asian Nations
Geopolitical Rivalries in the Indo-Pacific Region
Media Censorship and Freedom of Expression in Asia
Comparative Politics
Comparative Analysis of Political Regimes: Democracies vs. Authoritarian States
Theories of State Formation and Governance
Electoral Systems Around the World
Social Welfare Policies in Western and Non-Western Societies
The Role of Civil Society in Political Change
Political Parties and Their Impact on Governance
Analyzing Political Culture in Diverse Societies
Case Studies in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding
Federal vs. Unitary Systems of Government
Gender and Political Representation Across Countries
Immigration Policies and Integration Strategies
Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination Movements
Environmental Policies and Sustainability Practices
Populist Movements in Contemporary Politics
The Impact of Globalization on National Identities
Human Rights Violations and Accountability Mechanisms
Comparative Analysis of Welfare States
Ethnic Conflict and Power Sharing Agreements
Religious Diversity and Its Political Implications
Social Movements and Political Change Across Regions
Constitutions and Constitutionalism
The Evolution of Constitutional Law: Historical Perspectives
Judicial Review and Constitutional Interpretation
Federalism and State Powers in Constitutional Design
Comparative Analysis of National Constitutions
Human Rights Provisions in Modern Constitutions
Constitutional Amendments and Reform Efforts
Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances
Constitutional Design in Post-Conflict Societies
Constitutionalism and Indigenous Rights
Challenges to Constitutional Democracy in the 21st Century
Constitutions and Cultural Pluralism
Environmental Provisions in Constitutions
The Role of Constitutional Courts in Political Systems
Social and Economic Rights in Constitutions
Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law
The Impact of Technological Advancements on Constitutional Governance
Constitutional Protections for Minority Rights
Constitutional Referendums and Public Participation
Constitutional Provisions for Emergency Powers
Gender Equality Clauses in National Constitutions
Democracy and Democratization
The Role of Civil Society in Democratization
Democratic Backsliding: Causes and Consequences
Comparative Analysis of Electoral Systems and Democracy
The Impact of Media on Political Awareness and Democracy
Political Parties and Their Role in Democratic Governance
Women’s Political Participation and Representation in Democracies
Democratic Transitions in Post-Authoritarian States
Youth Movements and Their Influence on Democratization
Populism and Its Effect on Democratic Norms
Comparative Analysis of Direct vs. Representative Democracy
Democratization and Economic Development
Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and Democratization
The Role of International Organizations in Promoting Democracy
Religious Diversity and Democracy in Multiethnic Societies
The Challenges of Democratic Consolidation
Media Freedom and Democratization in the Digital Age
Human Rights and Democratic Governance
Democratization and Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies
Civil-Military Relations in Emerging Democracies
Assessing the Quality of Democracy in Different Countries

Political Corruption

The Impact of Corruption on Political Stability
Corruption and Economic Development: A Comparative Analysis
Anti-Corruption Measures and Their Effectiveness
Corruption in Public Procurement and Government Contracts
Political Scandals and Their Influence on Public Opinion
The Role of Whistleblowers in Exposing Political Corruption
Corruption and Its Impact on Foreign Aid and Investments
Political Patronage and Nepotism in Government
Transparency and Accountability Mechanisms
Corruption and Environmental Exploitation
Cultural Factors and Perceptions of Corruption
Corruption in Law Enforcement and the Judiciary
The Role of Media in Investigating Political Corruption
Corruption and Political Party Financing
Comparative Analysis of Corruption Levels in Different Countries
Ethnicity and Corruption: Case Studies
Political Corruption in Post-Conflict Societies
Gender, Power, and Corruption
Corruption and Human Rights Violations
Strategies for Combating Political Corruption

European Politics

The European Union’s Role in Global Governance
Brexit and Its Implications for European Politics
European Integration and Supranationalism
Euroscepticism and Anti-EU Movements
Immigration and European Identity
Populist Parties in European Elections
Environmental Policies in European Countries
The Eurozone Crisis and Economic Governance
EU Enlargement and Eastern European Politics
Human Rights and European Integration
Nationalism and Secession Movements in Europe
Security Challenges in the Baltic States
EU-US Relations and Transatlantic Cooperation
Energy Policies and Dependency on Russian Gas
The Common Agricultural Policy and Farming in Europe
European Social Welfare Models and Inequality
The Schengen Agreement and Border Control
The Rise of Far-Right Movements in Western Europe
EU Environmental Regulations and Sustainability
The Role of the European Court of Justice in Shaping European Politics
Comparative Analysis of Federal Systems
Fiscal Federalism and Taxation in Federal States
Federalism and Ethnic Conflict Resolution
The Role of Governors in Federal Systems
Intergovernmental Relations in Federal Countries
Federalism and Healthcare Policy
Environmental Federalism and Conservation Efforts
Federalism and Immigration Policies
Indigenous Rights and Self-Government in Federal States
Federalism and Education Policy
The Role of Regional Parties in Federal Politics
Federalism and Disaster Response
Energy Policy and Federal-State Relations
Federalism and Criminal Justice Reform
Local Autonomy and Decentralization in Federal Systems
The Impact of Federal Systems on Economic Development
Constitutional Reform and Changes in Federalism
Federalism and Social Welfare Programs
The European Model of Federalism
Comparative Analysis of Dual and Cooperative Federalism
Foreign Policy
Diplomatic Strategies in International Relations
The Influence of Public Opinion on Foreign Policy
Economic Diplomacy and Trade Negotiations
The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Foreign Policy
Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping Efforts
International Human Rights Advocacy and Foreign Policy
Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy
Nuclear Proliferation and Arms Control
Cybersecurity and Foreign Policy Challenges
Climate Diplomacy and Global Environmental Agreements
Refugee and Migration Policies in International Relations
The Impact of International Organizations on Foreign Policy
Energy Security and Geopolitical Strategies
Regional Alliances and Security Agreements
Terrorism and Counterterrorism Strategies
Humanitarian Interventions and Responsibility to Protect
The Role of Intelligence Agencies in Foreign Policy
Economic Sanctions and Their Effectiveness
Foreign Aid and Development Assistance
International Law and Treaty Negotiations
Gender and Politics
Gender Representation in Political Leadership
The Impact of Women’s Movements on Gender Policy
Gender-Based Violence and Political Responses
Intersectionality and Identity Politics in Gender Advocacy
Gender Mainstreaming in Government Policies
LGBTQ+ Rights and Political Movements
Women in Conflict Resolution and Peace Negotiations
The Gender Pay Gap and Labor Policies
Female Political Empowerment and Quotas
Masculinity Studies and Political Behavior
Gender and Environmental Justice
The Role of Men in Promoting Gender Equality
Gender Stereotypes and Political Campaigns
Reproductive Rights and Political Debates
Gender, Race, and Political Power
Feminist Foreign Policy and Global Women’s Rights
Gender and Healthcare Policy
Gender Disparities in Education Access
Gender, Technology, and Digital Divide
Patriarchy and Its Effects on Political Systems
Globalization and Politics
The Impact of Globalization on National Sovereignty
Trade Agreements and Their Political Implications
Globalization and Income Inequality
Environmental Policies in the Globalized World
Cultural Diversity in a Globalized Society
Globalization and Labor Movements
Global Health Governance and Pandemics
Migration and Political Responses to Globalization
Technology and Global Political Connectivity
Globalization and Political Populism
Human Rights in a Globalized Context
Globalization and the Spread of Political Ideas
Global Supply Chains and Political Vulnerabilities
Media and Information Flow in Global Politics
Globalization and Terrorism Networks
Transnational Corporations and Political Influence
Globalization and Political Identity
The Role of International Organizations in Managing Globalization
Globalization and Climate Change Politics
Globalization and Post-Pandemic Political Challenges
Political Ideologies
Liberalism and Its Contemporary Relevance
Conservatism in Modern Political Thought
Socialism and Its Variations in Different Countries
Fascism and the Rise of Far-Right Ideologies
Anarchism and Political Movements
Marxism and Its Influence on Political Theory
Environmentalism as a Political Ideology
Feminism and Its Political Manifestations
Populism as an Emerging Political Ideology
Nationalism and Its Role in Contemporary Politics
Multiculturalism and Political Pluralism
Postcolonialism and Its Impact on Global Politics
Postmodernism and Its Critique of Political Discourse
Religious Political Ideologies and Fundamentalism
Libertarianism and Minimalist Government
Technological Utopianism and Political Change
Eco-Socialism and Environmental Politics
Identity Politics and Intersectional Ideologies
Indigenous Political Thought and Movements
Futurism and Political Visions of Tomorrow

Checks and Balances

The Role of the Executive Branch in Checks and Balances
Congressional Oversight and Accountability
The Separation of Powers in Parliamentary Systems
Checks and Balances in Local Government
Media and Public Opinion as Checks on Government
Bureaucratic Agencies and Their Role in Oversight
The Balance of Power in Federal Systems
The Role of Political Parties in Checks and Balances
Checks and Balances in Authoritarian Regimes
The Role of Interest Groups in Government Oversight
The Influence of Lobbying on Checks and Balances
The Role of the Courts in Presidential Accountability
Checks and Balances in Times of National Crisis
The Use of Veto Power in Checks and Balances
Checks and Balances and the Protection of Civil Liberties
The Role of Whistleblowers in Exposing Government Misconduct
Checks and Balances and National Security Policies
The Evolution of Checks and Balances in Modern Democracies
Interest Groups and Lobbies
The Influence of Corporate Lobbying on Public Policy
Interest Groups and Campaign Finance in Politics
Advocacy Groups and Their Impact on Legislative Agendas
The Role of Unions in Interest Group Politics
Environmental Organizations and Lobbying Efforts
Identity-Based Interest Groups and Their Political Power
Health Advocacy Groups and Healthcare Policy
The Influence of Foreign Lobbying on U.S. Politics
Interest Groups and Regulatory Capture
Interest Groups in Comparative Politics
The Use of Social Media in Interest Group Campaigns
Gun Control Advocacy and Interest Group Dynamics
Religious Organizations and Political Lobbying
Interest Groups and Human Rights Advocacy
Farming and Agricultural Interest Groups
Interest Groups and Education Policy
LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Political Representation
Interest Groups and Criminal Justice Reform
Veterans’ Organizations and Their Political Clout
Interest Groups and Their Role in Shaping Public Opinion
International Relations
Theories of International Relations: Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism
Power Politics and International Security
The Role of Diplomacy in Conflict Resolution
Multilateralism vs. Unilateralism in International Relations
International Organizations and Their Influence on World Politics
Global Governance and Challenges to Sovereignty
Humanitarian Interventions and the Responsibility to Protect
Non-State Actors in International Relations
International Law and Its Application in Conflict Zones
Arms Control Agreements and Nuclear Proliferation
International Trade Agreements and Economic Diplomacy
International Environmental Agreements and Climate Change
Cybersecurity Threats in the Digital Age
Refugee Crises and Forced Migration on the Global Stage
Geopolitics of Energy Resources
Peacekeeping Operations and Conflict Prevention
Global Health Diplomacy and Pandemic Response
The Role of Intelligence Agencies in International Relations
The Changing Dynamics of U.S.-China Relations

International Security

Cybersecurity Threats and Global Security
Arms Control and Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Regional Conflict and Security Implications
Humanitarian Interventions and Security Dilemmas
Intelligence Sharing and National Security
Environmental Security and Resource Conflicts
Non-State Actors in Global Security
Maritime Security and Freedom of Navigation
The Role of International Organizations in Global Security
Military Alliances and Collective Defense
Space Security and Militarization of Outer Space
Cyber Warfare and State-Sponsored Hacking
Security Challenges in Post-Conflict Zones
Refugee Crises and Security Implications
Emerging Technologies and Security Risks
Energy Security and Geopolitical Tensions
Food Security and Global Agricultural Policies
Biological and Chemical Weapons Proliferation
Climate Change and Security Threats

Latin American Politics

Populism in Latin American Politics
Drug Trafficking and Security Challenges
Political Instability and Regime Changes
Indigenous Movements and Political Representation
Corruption Scandals and Governance Issues
Environmental Politics and Conservation Efforts
Social Movements and Protests in Latin America
Economic Inequality and Poverty Reduction Strategies
Human Rights Violations and Accountability
The Role of the United States in Latin American Politics
Regional Integration and Trade Agreements
Gender Equality and Women in Politics
Land Reform and Agrarian Policies
Indigenous Rights and Land Conflicts
Media Freedom and Political Discourse
Migration Patterns and Regional Impacts
Authoritarian Regimes and Democratic Backsliding
Drug Legalization Debates in Latin America
Religious Influence in Politics
Latin American Diplomacy and International Relations
Law and Courts
Judicial Independence and the Rule of Law
Constitutional Interpretation and Originalism
Supreme Court Decision-Making and Precedent
Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Criminal Justice Reform and Sentencing Policies
Civil Rights Litigation and Legal Activism
International Law and Its Application in Domestic Courts
Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
The Role of Judges in Shaping Public Policy
Access to Justice and Legal Aid Programs
Gender Bias in Legal Systems
Intellectual Property Rights and Legal Challenges
Immigration Law and Border Control
Environmental Law and Sustainability
Corporate Governance and Legal Compliance
Privacy Rights in the Digital Age
Family Law and Custody Disputes
Law and Technology: Legal Issues in AI and Robotics
Legal Education and Training of Lawyers
Legal Pluralism and Customary Law Systems
Legislative Studies
The Role of Legislative Bodies in Policy-Making
Parliamentary Systems vs. Presidential Systems
Legislative Oversight and Government Accountability
Party Politics and Legislative Behavior
Committee Structures and Decision-Making Processes
Electoral Systems and Their Impact on Legislation
Minority Rights and Representation in Legislatures
Lobbying and Interest Group Influence on Legislators
Legislative Ethics and Codes of Conduct
The Evolution of Legislative Bodies in Modern Democracies
Legislative Responses to Crises and Emergencies
Legislative Innovations and Reforms
Legislative Responsiveness to Public Opinion
Legislative Term Limits and Their Effects
Gender Parity in Legislative Representation
Legislative Coalitions and Majority Building
Legislative Role in Budgetary Processes
Legislative Oversight of Intelligence Agencies
Subnational Legislatures and Regional Autonomy
Comparative Analysis of Legislative Systems

Middle Eastern Politics

The Arab Spring and Political Transformations
Sectarianism and Conflict in the Middle East
Authoritarianism and Political Repression
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and Peace Efforts
Oil Politics and Resource-Driven Conflicts
Terrorism and Insurgency in the Middle East
Foreign Interventions and Proxy Wars
Human Rights Abuses and Accountability
Religious Politics and Extremism
Migration and Refugees in the Middle East
Women’s Rights and Gender Equality
Political Islam and Islamist Movements
Water Scarcity and Regional Tensions
Media and Censorship in Middle Eastern States
Kurdish Politics and Autonomy Movements
Sectarianism and Its Impact on State Structures
Economic Challenges and Youth Unemployment
Environmental Issues and Sustainability
Iran’s Role in Regional Politics
Middle Eastern Diplomacy and Global Relations

Nation and State

National Identity and Its Influence on Statehood
Secession Movements and the Question of Statehood
Stateless Nations and the Right to Self-Determination
State-Building in Post-Conflict Zones
Failed States and International Interventions
Ethnic Nationalism and Nation-Building
Federalism and Devolution of Powers
State Symbols and Nationalism
Nationalism and Economic Policies
Colonial Legacy and the Formation of Nations
Territorial Disputes and State Sovereignty
Ethnic Minorities and Their Political Rights
Globalization and the Erosion of Statehood
Nationalism in the Era of Transnationalism
Nationalist Movements and Regional Autonomy
The Role of Education in Shaping National Identity
National Symbols and Their Political Significance
Migration and Its Impact on National Identity
Cultural Diversity and Nation-Building Challenges
The Role of Language in Defining Nationhood

Political Behavior

Voter Turnout and Political Participation Rates
Political Socialization and Civic Engagement
Partisan Loyalty and Voting Behavior
Political Trust and Public Opinion
Political Apathy and Its Causes
Political Mobilization Strategies
Protest Movements and Activism
Electoral Behavior and Decision-Making
Political Communication and Information Sources
Political Social Networks and Online Activism
Political Behavior of Youth and Generational Differences
Political Behavior of Minority Groups
Gender and Political Participation
Social Media Influence on Political Behavior
Public Opinion Polling and Its Impact
Political Psychology and Behavioral Analysis
Political Behavior in Non-Democratic Systems
Voting Behavior in Swing States
Political Behavior in Times of Crisis
Political Behavior Research Methodologies

Political Change

Regime Change and Democratization
Revolution and Political Transformation
Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconciliation
Political Leadership and Change Initiatives
Nonviolent Movements and Political Change
Social Movements and Policy Reforms
The Role of Technology in Political Change
Political Change in Authoritarian Regimes
Youth-Led Political Change Movements
Resistance Movements and Their Strategies
Cultural Movements and Political Change
Environmental Movements and Policy Impact
Economic Crisis and Political Change
International Influence on Political Change
Indigenous Movements and Political Empowerment
Women’s Movements and Gender-Driven Change
Grassroots Movements and Local Governance
The Impact of Global Events on Political Change
Political Change and Human Rights
Comparative Studies of Political Change

Political Communication

Media Influence on Political Attitudes
Political Advertising and Campaign Strategies
Political Rhetoric and Persuasion Techniques
Social Media and Political Discourse
Political Debates and Public Perception
Crisis Communication and Political Leadership
Media Ownership and Political Influence
Propaganda and Information Warfare
Fact-Checking and Media Accountability
News Framing and Agenda Setting
Political Satire and Public Opinion
Political Communication in Multicultural Societies
Crisis Communication and Government Response
Public Relations and Political Image Management
Political Talk Shows and Public Engagement
The Role of Polling in Political Communication
Speechwriting and Political Oratory
Media Literacy and Critical Thinking
Political Communication Ethics and Responsibility
Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Political Communication

Political Concepts

Democracy: Theories and Applications
Justice and Fairness in Political Systems
Power and Authority in Governance
Liberty and Individual Rights
Equality: Political, Social, and Economic Dimensions
Citizenship: Rights and Responsibilities
Sovereignty and the State
Representation and Political Legitimacy
Political Obligation and Consent
Rights vs. Welfare: A Philosophical Debate
The Common Good in Political Philosophy
Social Contract Theories and Political Order
Freedom of Speech and Political Discourse
Political Ideals and Utopian Visions
The Ethics of Political Decision-Making
Anarchy and Political Order
Nationalism and Patriotism as Political Concepts
Political Realism vs. Idealism
Human Dignity and Political Values
Multiculturalism and Cultural Diversity in Politics

Political Economy

Economic Policies and Political Decision-Making
The Impact of Global Trade Agreements on National Economies
Income Inequality and Political Consequences
Taxation Policies and Political Debates
Political Influence on Central Banks
Economic Growth vs. Environmental Sustainability
Government Regulation of Financial Markets
Economic Crises and Political Responses
Populism and Economic Policies
Economic Development and Political Stability
Corruption and Economic Performance
Political Economy of Resource-Rich Nations
International Trade Wars and Political Tensions
Fiscal Policies and Government Budgets
Labor Market Policies and Political Alignment
Economic Ideologies and Political Parties
Globalization and Income Redistribution
Economic Populism and Public Opinion
Economic Forecasting and Political Decision-Making
Comparative Studies of Political Economies

Political Parties

Party Systems and Electoral Politics
Party Platforms and Policy Agendas
Coalition Politics and Party Alliances
Third Parties and Their Influence
Party Funding and Campaign Finance
Political Party Polarization
Party Identification and Voter Behavior
Party Primaries and Candidate Selection
Populist Parties and Their Impact
Minor Parties and Representation
Party Discipline and Legislative Behavior
Party Systems in Non-Democratic States
Party Leadership and Ideological Shifts
Party Membership and Activism
Youth Participation in Political Parties
Party Conventions and Political Strategy
Party Mergers and Dissolutions
Ethnic and Religious Parties in Multi-Cultural Societies
Popularity of Anti-Establishment Parties
Comparative Studies of Political Party Systems

Political Psychology

Political Attitudes and Ideological Beliefs
Personality Traits and Political Preferences
Political Socialization and Identity Formation
Political Trust and Distrust
Group Psychology and Political Behavior
The Role of Emotions in Political Decision-Making
Cognitive Biases and Political Judgment
Political Persuasion and Communication
Political Polarization and Social Identity
Fear and Political Behavior
Voter Apathy and Psychological Factors
Motivated Reasoning in Politics
Political Stereotypes and Prejudices
Political Leadership and Charisma
Political Participation and Civic Psychology
Mass Movements and Crowd Psychology
Political Stress and Mental Health
The Psychology of Political Extremism
Political Tolerance and Intolerance
Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Political Psychology

Political Theory

Theories of Justice and Equality
Democratic Theory and Political Legitimacy
Social Contract Theories in Political Philosophy
The Ethics of Political Leadership
Political Authority and Obedience
Rights and Liberties in Political Theory
Political Utopias and Ideal Societies
Power and Its Distribution in Political Thought
Political Liberalism vs. Communitarianism
The Role of Consent in Governance
Political Anarchism and Stateless Societies
The Philosophy of Political Revolution
Political Philosophy and Human Rights
Theories of Political Representation
Feminist Political Theory and Gender Equality
Cosmopolitanism and Global Justice
Political Conservatism and Traditionalism
Postmodernism and Deconstruction in Political Theory
Critical Theory and Social Change
Comparative Political Theories

Politics and Society

The Societal Impact of Welfare Policies
Environmental Policies and Sustainable Societies
Social Movements and Their Political Goals
Education Policies and Social Equity
Healthcare Policies and Public Health
Criminal Justice Policies and Social Inequality
Immigration Policies and Integration Challenges
Social Media and Political Activism
Identity Politics and Social Cohesion
Economic Policies and Income Distribution
Civil Society and Political Engagement
Social Capital and Political Participation
Family Policies and Social Values
Multiculturalism and Cultural Diversity
Social Inclusion and Exclusion in Politics
Urbanization and Political Dynamics
Social Stratification and Political Behavior
Aging Populations and Policy Implications
Social Norms and Political Change
Cross-Cultural Studies of Politics and Society

Politics of Oppression

Political Repression and Human Rights Violations
The Role of Mass Media in Oppression
Authoritarian Regimes and Dissent
Gender-Based Oppression and Activism
State Surveillance and Privacy Rights
Indigenous Rights and Anti-Oppression Movements
Political Exile and Dissident Communities
Censorship and Freedom of Expression
Political Violence and Resistance
Ethnic Conflict and Oppressed Minorities
The Psychology of Oppression and Compliance
Political Persecution and International Responses
Refugees and Asylum Politics
Oppression in Cyber-Space
Socioeconomic Oppression and Inequality
Historical Perspectives on Political Oppression
Anti-Oppression Legislation and Human Rights Advocacy
Discrimination and the Law
The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Oppression
Comparative Studies of Oppressive Regimes

Public Administration

Bureaucratic Accountability and Transparency
Public Sector Reform and Modernization
Administrative Ethics and Integrity
Performance Measurement in Public Administration
E-Government and Digital Transformation
Public-Private Partnerships in Service Delivery
Administrative Decision-Making and Policy Implementation
Leadership and Change Management in the Public Sector
Civil Service Systems and Human Resource Management
Administrative Law and Legal Challenges
Emergency Management and Crisis Response
Local Government and Municipal Administration
Public Budgeting and Financial Management
Public Administration and Social Welfare Programs
Environmental Administration and Sustainability
Healthcare Administration and Policy
Public Diplomacy and International Relations
Administrative Responsiveness and Citizen Engagement
Public Administration in Developing Nations
Comparative Public Administration Studies

Public Policy

Policy Analysis and Evaluation
The Role of Think Tanks in Policy Formulation
Policy Implementation Challenges and Solutions
Policy Advocacy and Lobbying
Healthcare Policy and Access to Medical Services
Education Policy and Curriculum Development
Social Welfare Policies and Poverty Alleviation
Environmental Policy and Conservation Efforts
Technology and Innovation Policy
Immigration Policy and Border Control
Security and Defense Policy
Transportation and Infrastructure Policy
Energy Policy and Sustainability
Foreign Aid and Development Policies
Taxation Policy and Revenue Generation
Criminal Justice Policy and Sentencing Reform
Trade Policy and Economic Growth
Drug Policy and Harm Reduction Strategies
Social and Cultural Policy Initiatives
Comparative Policy Studies

Race/Ethnicity, and Politics

Racial Discrimination and Political Activism
Ethnic Conflict and Identity Politics
Minority Rights and Representation
Racial Profiling and Policing
Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity
Indigenous Rights and Autonomy Movements
Racial and Ethnic Voting Patterns
The Role of Race in Political Campaigns
Immigration Policies and Racial Implications
Intersectionality and Multiple Identities
Ethnic Diversity and Social Cohesion
Slavery, Colonialism, and Historical Injustices
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare
Education and Racial Achievement Gaps
Media Representation and Stereotyping
Hate Crimes and Extremist Movements
Reparations and Compensation for Historical Wrongs
Cultural Appropriation and Identity Politics
Multiculturalism and Integration Policies
Comparative Studies of Race and Politics

Religion and Politics

The Role of Religious Institutions in Politics
Religious Freedom and Secularism
Faith-Based Advocacy and Social Change
Religion and International Relations
Religious Extremism and Terrorism
Religion and Gender Equality
Religious Minorities and Discrimination
Political Parties and Religious Affiliation
Religion and Environmental Ethics
Interfaith Dialogue and Peacebuilding
Religious Ethics and Public Policy
Religion in Education and Curriculum Debates
Charitable and Faith-Based Organizations
Religious Symbols and Public Spaces
Sacred Texts and Political Interpretations
Pilgrimage and Political Pilgrimage
Religion and Human Rights
Religious Conversion and Apostasy
Faith and Political Leadership
Comparative Studies of Religion and Politics

Electoral Systems

The Impact of Electoral Systems on Representation
Proportional Representation vs. First-Past-the-Post
Gerrymandering and Electoral Manipulation
Electronic Voting and Election Security
Ranked Choice Voting Systems
Voter Turnout and Participation Rates
Minority Representation in Electoral Systems
Campaign Finance and Electoral Outcomes
Voter Registration and Access to Voting
Electoral Reforms and Political Parties
Voting Behavior and Demographic Patterns
Gender and Electoral Politics
Electoral Systems in Post-Conflict Nations
Hybrid Electoral Systems
Electoral Justice and Redistricting
Political Parties and Coalition Building
Election Observation and International Standards
Electoral Systems and Ethnic Conflict
Voter Suppression and Disenfranchisement
Electoral Systems in Non-Democratic Regimes

Rights and Freedoms

Freedom of Speech and Censorship
Civil Liberties in Times of Crisis
Religious Freedom and Freedom of Worship
LGBTQ+ Rights and Advocacy
The Right to Protest and Assembly
Racial Profiling and Discrimination
Right to Bear Arms and Gun Control
Refugee Rights and Asylum Seekers
Indigenous Rights and Land Sovereignty
Rights of the Accused and Due Process
Access to Healthcare as a Human Right
Education as a Fundamental Right
Economic Rights and Income Inequality
Children’s Rights and Child Protection
Disability Rights and Accessibility
Prisoner Rights and Criminal Justice Reform
Freedom of the Press and Media Ethics
Comparative Human Rights Frameworks

Science/Technology and Politics

Cybersecurity and Election Interference
Surveillance Technologies and Privacy
Artificial Intelligence in Governance
Internet Regulation and Net Neutrality
Space Exploration and International Cooperation
Ethical Implications of Biotechnology
Climate Science and Environmental Policy
Digital Diplomacy and International Relations
Technology in Disaster Management
Data Protection and Online Privacy
Social Media and Political Influence
Bioethics and Genetic Engineering
Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence
Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation
Ethical Dilemmas in Scientific Research
Quantum Computing and National Security
Robotics and the Future of Labor
E-Government Initiatives and Digital Services
Environmental Ethics and Sustainability
Technology Transfer in Developing Nations

War and Peace

Conflict Resolution and Diplomacy
Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Reconstruction
Arms Control and Non-Proliferation Agreements
Nuclear Deterrence and Arms Races
Cyber Warfare and International Law
Refugee Crises and Forced Displacement
United Nations Peacekeeping Missions
War Crimes and International Tribunals
Security Alliances and Collective Defense
Civil Wars and State Fragmentation
Weapons of Mass Destruction and Global Security
Peace Accords and Conflict Resolution
Conflict Journalism and Media Coverage
Civilian Protection and Human Rights in Conflict Zones
The Ethics of Humanitarian Aid
Regional Conflicts and Regional Organizations
Conflict-Induced Migration and Refugee Policies
The Role of Religion in Peace and Conflict

This comprehensive list merely scratches the surface of the intriguing topics available within the realm of political science. From the intricacies of constitutional law to the dynamics of Asian politics and the complexities of comparative analysis, the field of political science offers a rich tapestry of subjects for your research pursuits. We encourage you to explore these topics, refine your interests, and embark on an academic journey that not only expands your knowledge but also contributes to the broader discourse on politics and governance. As you navigate this list, remember that the key to a successful research paper is your passion for the subject matter. Choose a topic that resonates with you, and let your curiosity drive your exploration of political science research paper topics.

Browse More Political Science Topics:

African Politics and Society
American Politics and Society
Asian Politics and Society
Culture, Media, and Language
European Politics and Society
Federalism and Local Politics
Institutions and Checks and Balances
International Security and Arms Control
Latin American Politics and Society

The Range of Political Science Research Paper Topics

Introduction

Political science, the systematic study of politics and government, provides valuable insights into the complex world of governance, policy-making, and international relations. For students of political science, selecting the right research paper topic can be the key to unlocking a deeper understanding of these intricate issues. This page serves as a comprehensive guide to the rich array of Political Science Research Paper Topics available, offering a detailed overview of the field and highlighting its significant contributions to society.

Exploring Political Science

Political science plays a pivotal role in deciphering the dynamics of the modern world. By analyzing the behavior of individuals, groups, and institutions in political settings, it seeks to unravel the complexities of governance and decision-making. This discipline’s significance extends far beyond the classroom, as it directly informs public policy, governance structures, and international relations.

The research conducted within political science serves as the foundation for crafting effective policies and addressing pressing global challenges. Governments and organizations worldwide rely on the expertise of political scientists to provide evidence-based recommendations and solutions. Whether it’s designing social welfare programs, analyzing international conflicts, or studying voter behavior, political science research is at the forefront of shaping the way societies function.

The Essence of Political Science

Political science is the intellectual foundation of modern political analysis and policy-making. It serves as a bridge between theory and practice, helping individuals understand not only the “what” but also the “why” and “how” of political phenomena. By examining political behavior, institutions, and ideologies, this field equips students with the tools to navigate the complexities of governance and to critically evaluate the policies that shape our lives.

One of the defining features of political science is its interdisciplinary nature. It draws from various disciplines, including history, economics, sociology, psychology, and philosophy, to offer a holistic understanding of political processes. For students passionate about examining the social and political forces that shape our world, political science is a vibrant and intellectually rewarding field of study.

The Relevance of Political Science Research

Political science research is not confined to academic ivory towers; it has a profound impact on society. The evidence-based insights generated by political scientists guide governments, inform public discourse, and influence policy decisions. Research on topics such as voting behavior helps in understanding democratic processes, while studies on international relations contribute to strategies for peacekeeping and diplomacy.

Political scientists also play a crucial role in examining and addressing contemporary global challenges. They explore topics such as climate change, migration, and human rights, offering valuable insights that can shape policies and international cooperation. The relevance of political science research extends to issues of governance, accountability, and the promotion of democratic values.

Range of Research Paper Topics

Within the vast realm of political science, there exists a diverse range of research paper topics that cater to different interests and perspectives. These topics encompass various subfields, each shedding light on distinct aspects of political behavior, institutions, and ideologies. Here, we delve into some of the intriguing areas that can serve as the foundation for your research endeavors:

Democracy and Democratization : The study of democratic systems and processes is a cornerstone of political science. Research in this area may explore topics such as the challenges of democratization in emerging nations, the role of media in shaping public opinion, or the impact of electoral systems on representation.

Political Corruption : Understanding and combating political corruption is critical for the integrity of governments worldwide. Research topics may range from analyzing corruption’s economic and social consequences to exploring strategies for prevention and enforcement.

Globalization and Politics : In an increasingly interconnected world, globalization profoundly influences political dynamics. Research in this area can examine issues like the impact of globalization on national sovereignty, the role of international organizations, or the ethics of global trade.

Political Ideologies : The realm of political ideologies delves into the philosophies and belief systems that underpin political movements and parties. Topics may include the examination of specific ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism, or socialism, and their historical evolution.

Science/Technology and Politics : The intersection of science, technology, and politics is a fertile ground for research. This area covers topics like the influence of digital platforms on political discourse, ethical considerations in artificial intelligence, and the role of technology in election campaigns.

War and Peace : The study of international conflict and peacekeeping efforts remains a central concern in political science. Research may focus on issues like the causes of armed conflicts, peace negotiation strategies, or the ethics of humanitarian interventions.

Religion and Politics : Religion’s impact on political behavior and policies is a subject of ongoing debate. Research in this area can explore the role of religious institutions in politics, the influence of faith on voting patterns, or interfaith relations in diverse societies.

Race/Ethnicity, and Politics : The intersection of race, ethnicity, and politics raises critical questions about representation and equality. Research topics may encompass racial disparities in political participation, the impact of identity politics, or the dynamics of minority-majority relations.

Public Policy and Administration : The field of public policy and administration involves the study of how policies are formulated, implemented, and evaluated. Topics may include healthcare policy, environmental regulations, or the role of bureaucracy in shaping public programs.

International Relations : International relations examine interactions between states and the complexities of the global order. Research topics may focus on diplomacy, international organizations, global conflicts, or the challenges of international cooperation.

Human Rights and Justice : The study of human rights and justice explores ethical dilemmas and legal frameworks. Research may encompass issues like refugee rights, humanitarian law, or the role of international courts in addressing human rights abuses.

Environmental Politics : In an era of environmental challenges, political science research on environmental politics is vital. Topics may cover climate change policy, sustainable development, or the politics of natural resource management.

Evaluating Political Science Research Topics

As students explore these diverse topics, it’s essential to consider various factors when choosing a research paper topic. Here are some key considerations:

Personal Interest : Select a topic that genuinely interests you. Your passion for the subject matter will fuel your research efforts and maintain your motivation throughout the project.
Relevance : Consider the relevance of your chosen topic to current political debates, policies, or global issues. Research that addresses pressing concerns often has a more significant impact.
Feasibility : Assess the availability of data, research materials, and access to experts or primary sources. Ensure that your chosen topic is researchable within your constraints.
Originality : While it’s not necessary to reinvent the wheel, aim to contribute something new or offer a fresh perspective on existing debates or issues.
Scope : Define the scope of your research clearly. Determine whether your topic is too broad or too narrow and adjust it accordingly.
Methodology : Think about the research methods you’ll use. Will you conduct surveys, interviews, content analysis, or use historical data? Ensure that your chosen methods align with your topic.
Ethical Considerations : Be mindful of ethical considerations, especially when dealing with sensitive topics or human subjects. Ensure that your research adheres to ethical standards.

Political science, as a multifaceted discipline, holds immense relevance in today’s world. Its research not only informs governance and policy-making but also empowers individuals to engage critically with the complex political issues of our time. The spectrum of Political Science Research Paper Topics is vast, reflecting the diversity of political phenomena and ideas.

As students embark on their research journeys in political science, they have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to our understanding of governance, society, and international relations. By choosing topics that resonate with their interests and align with the pressing issues of the day, students can truly make a difference in the field of political science.

In closing, we encourage students to explore the wealth of Political Science Research Paper Topics, delve deep into their chosen areas of study, and harness the power of knowledge to effect positive change in the political landscape.

Choosing Political Science Research Paper Topics

Selecting the right research topic is a crucial step in the journey of academic inquiry. It sets the tone for your entire research paper, influencing its direction, depth, and impact. When it comes to political science research paper topics, the stakes are high, as the field encompasses a wide range of subjects that can shape our understanding of governance, policy-making, and international relations. In this section, we’ll explore ten valuable tips to help you choose political science research paper topics that align with your interests, resonate with current debates, and provide ample research opportunities.

10 Tips for Choosing Political Science Research Paper Topics:

Follow Your Passion : Begin your quest for the right research topic by considering your interests. Passion for a subject often fuels motivation and ensures your engagement throughout the research process. Whether it’s human rights, international diplomacy, or environmental policy, choose a topic that genuinely excites you.
Stay Informed : Keep abreast of current political events, debates, and emerging issues. Reading newspapers, academic journals, and reputable websites can help you identify contemporary topics that are both relevant and research-worthy. Being informed about current affairs is essential for crafting timely and impactful research.
Explore Gaps in Existing Literature : Conduct a thorough literature review to identify gaps or areas where further research is needed. This not only helps you understand the existing discourse but also provides insights into unexplored avenues for your research. Building on or critiquing existing research can contribute significantly to the field.
Consider Policy Relevance : Think about the practical relevance of your chosen topic. How does it connect to real-world policy challenges? Research that addresses pressing policy issues tends to have a more substantial impact and can attract the attention of policymakers and practitioners.
Delve into Comparative Studies : Comparative politics offers a wealth of research opportunities by allowing you to examine political systems, policies, or issues across different countries or regions. Comparative studies can yield valuable insights into the impact of context and culture on political outcomes.
Narrow or Broaden Your Focus : Be mindful of the scope of your research topic. Some topics may be too broad to cover comprehensively in a single paper, while others may be too narrow, limiting available research material. Strike a balance by defining your research question or problem statement clearly.
Consult Your Professors and Peers : Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your professors or peers. They can offer valuable insights, suggest relevant literature, and help you refine your research question. Collaboration and mentorship can significantly enhance your research experience.
Evaluate Feasibility : Assess the feasibility of your chosen topic. Consider the availability of data, research materials, and access to experts or primary sources. Ensure that your research is doable within your constraints, including time and resources.
Embrace Interdisciplinary Perspectives : Political science often intersects with other disciplines, such as sociology, economics, or environmental science. Explore interdisciplinary angles to enrich your research. Collaborating with experts from related fields can lead to innovative insights.
Ethical Considerations : When selecting a research topic, be mindful of ethical considerations, especially if your research involves human subjects or sensitive issues. Ensure that your research adheres to ethical standards and obtains the necessary approvals.

Choosing the right political science research paper topic is a dynamic process that requires reflection, exploration, and critical thinking. By following these ten tips, you can navigate the landscape of political science topics with confidence. Remember that your research topic is not set in stone; it can evolve as you delve deeper into your studies and gain new insights.

As you embark on your research journey, keep in mind that the topics you choose have the potential to contribute to our understanding of the political world, inform policy decisions, and shape the future of governance. Embrace the opportunity to explore, question, and discover, for it is through research that we illuminate the path to progress in the field of political science.

Choose your topics wisely, engage in meaningful inquiry, and let your passion for political science drive your pursuit of knowledge.

How to Write a Political Science Research Paper

Writing a research paper in political science is a distinctive journey that allows you to explore complex issues, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute to the body of knowledge in the field. Effective research paper writing is not only about conveying your ideas clearly but also about constructing a compelling argument supported by rigorous evidence. In this section, we’ll delve into ten valuable tips that will help you craft high-quality political science research papers, enabling you to communicate your findings effectively and make a meaningful impact.

10 Tips for Writing Political Science Research Papers:

Thoroughly Understand the Assignment : Before you start writing, carefully read and understand your assignment guidelines. Clarify any doubts with your professor, ensuring you have a clear grasp of the expectations regarding format, length, and content.
Choose a Strong Thesis Statement : Your thesis statement is the heart of your research paper. It should be clear, concise, and arguable. Ensure that it presents a central argument or question that your paper will address.
Conduct In-Depth Research : A robust research paper relies on well-sourced evidence. Explore academic journals, books, reputable websites, and primary sources related to your topic. Take detailed notes and keep track of your sources for accurate citations.
Structure Your Paper Effectively : Organize your paper logically, with a coherent introduction, body, and conclusion. Each section should flow smoothly, building upon the previous one. Use headings and subheadings to guide your reader.
Craft a Captivating Introduction : Your introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide context for your research. It should introduce your thesis statement and outline the main points you will address.
Develop a Compelling Argument : Present a clear and well-reasoned argument throughout your paper. Each paragraph should support your thesis statement, with evidence and analysis that reinforces your position.
Cite Your Sources Properly : Accurate citations are crucial in political science research papers. Follow the citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) specified in your assignment guidelines. Pay careful attention to in-text citations and the bibliography.
Edit and Proofread Diligently : Writing is rewriting. After completing your initial draft, take the time to revise and edit your paper. Check for clarity, coherence, grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Consider seeking feedback from peers or professors.
Stay Objective and Avoid Bias : Political science research requires objectivity. Avoid personal bias and ensure that your analysis is based on evidence and sound reasoning. Acknowledge counterarguments and address them respectfully.
Craft a Strong Conclusion : Summarize your main points and restate your thesis in the conclusion. Discuss the implications of your research and suggest areas for future study. Leave your reader with a lasting impression.

Writing a political science research paper is not just an academic exercise; it’s an opportunity to engage with critical issues, contribute to knowledge, and develop essential skills. By applying these ten tips, you can navigate the complexities of research paper writing with confidence.

As you embark on your journey to craft high-quality papers, remember that effective communication is the key to making a meaningful impact in the realm of political science. Your research has the potential to shape discussions, influence policies, and contribute to our collective understanding of the political world.

Embrace the writing process, celebrate your achievements, and view each paper as a stepping stone in your academic and intellectual growth. Whether you’re exploring global diplomacy, dissecting political ideologies, or analyzing policy decisions, your research papers can be a force for positive change in the world of politics.

As you tackle the challenges and opportunities of political science research, remember that the knowledge you gain and the skills you develop are valuable assets that will serve you well in your academic and professional journey. Write with passion, rigor, and integrity, and let your research papers be a testament to your commitment to advancing the field of political science.

iResearchNet Custom Writing Services

In the realm of political science, the precision of your research paper can be the difference between influence and obscurity. Crafting a compelling argument, backed by well-researched evidence, is a formidable task. That’s where iResearchNet comes in. Our writing services are dedicated to providing you with the expertise and support you need to excel in your academic pursuits.

Expert Degree-Holding Writers : At iResearchNet, we understand the importance of subject expertise. Our team consists of highly qualified writers with advanced degrees in political science, ensuring that your research papers are handled by experts who have a deep understanding of the field.
Custom Written Works : We take pride in creating custom research papers tailored to your unique requirements. Your paper will be an original work, crafted from scratch, and designed to meet your specific needs and academic goals.
In-Depth Research : Thorough research is the foundation of a strong research paper. Our writers delve into a vast array of academic sources, journals, and authoritative texts to gather the evidence necessary to support your thesis.
Custom Formatting : Proper formatting is essential in political science research papers. We adhere to the citation style specified in your assignment guidelines, whether it’s APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, or Harvard, ensuring your paper is correctly formatted.
Top Quality : Quality is our hallmark. We uphold the highest standards of excellence in research paper writing. Our writers are committed to delivering papers that are well-researched, logically structured, and flawlessly written.
Customized Solutions : We understand that every research paper is unique. Our approach is highly individualized, allowing us to adapt to your specific research needs and preferences.
Flexible Pricing : We offer competitive and flexible pricing options to accommodate your budget. We believe that quality research paper assistance should be accessible to all students.
Short Deadlines : We understand that academic deadlines can be tight. Our team is equipped to handle urgent requests, with the capability to deliver high-quality papers in as little as three hours.
Timely Delivery : Punctuality is a core value at iResearchNet. We ensure that your research paper is delivered promptly, allowing you ample time for review and submission.
24/7 Support : Questions and concerns can arise at any time. Our customer support team is available around the clock to address your inquiries, provide updates on your paper’s progress, and offer assistance.
Absolute Privacy : We respect your privacy and confidentiality. Your personal information and the details of your research paper are kept secure and confidential.
Easy Order Tracking : We provide a user-friendly platform for tracking your order’s progress. You can stay informed about the status of your research paper throughout the writing process.
Money-Back Guarantee : Your satisfaction is our priority. If you’re not entirely satisfied with the final result, we offer a money-back guarantee, ensuring your investment is protected.

When it comes to political science research paper writing, iResearchNet is your trusted partner on the journey to academic success. Our commitment to excellence, subject expertise, and dedication to your unique needs set us apart.

By choosing iResearchNet, you’re not only accessing a team of expert writers but also ensuring that your research paper reflects the rigor and precision that the field of political science demands. Whether you’re navigating the intricacies of international relations, dissecting policy decisions, or analyzing political behavior, our services are tailored to empower you in your academic pursuits.

With our commitment to quality, accessibility, and confidentiality, iResearchNet stands as your dependable resource for exceptional research paper assistance. We invite you to experience the difference of working with a team that shares your passion for political science and is dedicated to helping you achieve your academic goals. Choose iResearchNet, and let your research papers shine as beacons of excellence in the field of political science.

Unlock the Secrets to Academic Success

Are you ready to take your academic journey in political science to new heights? At iResearchNet, we’re here to empower you with the tools you need to succeed. Our custom political science research paper writing services are tailored to your unique needs, designed to help you excel in your studies.

Navigating the intricacies of political science can be both challenging and rewarding. However, it often requires countless hours of research, analysis, and writing. With iResearchNet, you can leave the heavy lifting to our expert writers. Imagine the convenience of having a custom research paper crafted just for you, reflecting your unique research goals and academic requirements. Our team of degree-holding experts is committed to delivering the highest quality papers, ensuring your work stands out in the competitive field of political science.

In conclusion, the benefits of ordering a custom political science research paper from iResearchNet are clear. You gain access to expert degree-holding writers, ensuring your paper is grounded in subject expertise. You’ll experience unparalleled convenience as we handle the research, writing, and formatting, all tailored to your specifications. With our 24/7 support, easy order tracking, and money-back guarantee, your peace of mind is our priority.

Don’t wait to elevate your academic journey in political science. Place your order today and experience the difference of working with a team that shares your passion for the field. Let your research papers become beacons of excellence, reflecting your dedication to advancing your knowledge and contributing to the fascinating world of political science. Your path to academic excellence starts here, at iResearchNet.

ORDER HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PAPER

political science phd dissertation topics

Home » 300+ Political Science Research Topics

300+ Political Science Research Topics

Political Science is a fascinating field that deals with the study of governments, public policies, and political behavior. It encompasses a wide range of topics , from the intricacies of international relations to the workings of democratic systems. Political Science research has a crucial role in understanding these phenomena, analyzing them, and suggesting solutions to societal problems. There are various Political Science research topics that researchers can explore, and each topic offers a unique perspective on the field. In this article, we will discuss some of the most interesting Political Science research topics that have significant implications for society.

Political Science Research Topics

Political Science Research Topics are as follows:

The effects of globalization on national sovereignty
The role of political parties in shaping policy outcomes
The impact of the media on political decision-making
The effectiveness of international organizations in promoting global cooperation
The relationship between democracy and economic development
The influence of interest groups on political outcomes
The role of political ideology in shaping policy preferences
The impact of identity politics on political discourse
The challenges of democratic governance in developing countries
The role of social media in shaping political attitudes and behavior
The impact of immigration on electoral politics
The influence of religion on political participation and voting behavior
The effects of gerrymandering on electoral outcomes
The role of the judiciary in shaping public policy
The impact of campaign finance regulations on electoral outcomes
The effects of lobbying on policy outcomes
The role of civil society in promoting democratic accountability
The impact of political polarization on democratic governance
The influence of public opinion on policy decisions
The effectiveness of international sanctions in promoting human rights
The relationship between corruption and economic development
The role of the media in promoting government transparency
The impact of social movements on political change
The effects of terrorism on domestic and international politics
The role of gender in shaping political outcomes
The influence of international law on state behavior
The impact of environmental policy on economic development
The role of NGOs in promoting global governance
The effects of globalization on human rights
The relationship between economic inequality and political polarization
The role of education in promoting democratic citizenship
The impact of nationalism on international politics
The influence of international trade on state behavior
The effects of foreign aid on economic development
The role of political institutions in promoting democratic stability
The impact of electoral systems on political representation
The effects of colonialism on contemporary political systems
The relationship between religion and state power
The role of human rights organizations in promoting democratic accountability
The impact of social welfare policy on economic inequality
The influence of cultural identity on political behavior
The effects of globalization on cultural diversity
The role of civil liberties in promoting democratic citizenship
The impact of globalization on labor rights
The effects of climate change on international politics
The role of identity politics in promoting social justice
The influence of populism on democratic governance
The impact of economic sanctions on state behavior
The role of international conflict resolution in promoting peace
The effects of globalization on the distribution of wealth and power.
The impact of social media on political polarization
The effects of campaign finance laws on elections
The role of interest groups in shaping public policy
The effectiveness of international human rights organizations
The causes and consequences of political corruption
The impact of globalization on national sovereignty
The role of the media in shaping public opinion
The influence of public opinion on policy making
The relationship between economic inequality and political participation
The effects of electoral systems on representation
The role of political parties in democratic governance
The relationship between religion and politics
The effectiveness of peacekeeping operations
The impact of immigration on political systems
The relationship between environmental policy and economic growth
The effects of globalization on labor rights
The effectiveness of international trade agreements
The impact of populism on democratic institutions
The causes and consequences of political violence
The relationship between nationalism and globalization
The role of international organizations in conflict resolution
The effectiveness of international sanctions
The impact of media ownership on news coverage
The relationship between political culture and democracy
The effects of social movements on policy change
The role of civil society in democratic governance
The relationship between gender and political participation
The effectiveness of public-private partnerships in delivering public services
The impact of foreign aid on economic development
The role of civil-military relations in democratic governance
The relationship between foreign policy and national security
The effects of decentralization on public service delivery
The impact of trade on labor standards
The role of international law in regulating state behavior
The relationship between economic sanctions and regime change
The effects of political advertising on elections
The role of executive power in democratic governance
The impact of social welfare policies on poverty reduction
The relationship between civil liberties and national security
The effects of globalization on the environment
The role of international organizations in promoting human rights
The relationship between migration and security
The impact of privatization on public service delivery
The role of civil society in promoting social justice
The effects of political polarization on policy making
The relationship between international law and national sovereignty
The impact of international aid on governance and democracy
The impact of political polarization on democracy
The role of social media in political activism
The effects of lobbying on government decision-making
The dynamics of international conflict resolution
The impact of globalization on the power of nation-states
The relationship between economic development and democratization
The effectiveness of international aid in promoting democracy
The role of international organizations in shaping global governance
The impact of corruption on democratic institutions
The role of the media in shaping public opinion and political outcomes
The impact of political advertising on voter behavior
The relationship between political participation and social identity
The role of civil society in promoting democracy
The impact of political parties on democratic governance
The impact of globalization on environmental policy
The impact of globalization on labor standards
The impact of globalization on human rights
The role of international law in promoting global justice
The impact of trade policy on domestic politics
The impact of international trade agreements on labor standards
The impact of international trade agreements on the environment
The impact of military spending on economic development
The impact of military intervention on democracy
The impact of military intervention on human rights
The impact of military intervention on international security
The impact of income inequality on democratic institutions
The impact of income inequality on social welfare policy
The impact of income inequality on public health
The impact of income inequality on education policy
The impact of cultural diversity on political representation
The impact of cultural diversity on social welfare policy
The impact of cultural diversity on education policy
The impact of cultural diversity on public health
The impact of social movements on economic policy
The impact of social movements on foreign policy
The impact of social movements on civil rights
The impact of populism on democracy
The impact of populism on foreign policy
The impact of populism on economic policy
The impact of populism on social welfare policy
The impact of nationalism on international relations
The impact of nationalism on domestic politics
The impact of nationalism on economic policy
The impact of nationalism on civil rights
The impact of technology on political power
The impact of technology on political participation
The impact of technology on democracy
The impact of social media on political communication
The effectiveness of campaign finance regulations
The role of interest groups in shaping policy outcomes
The influence of media bias on public opinion
The impact of demographic changes on electoral outcomes
The role of identity politics in shaping political attitudes
The effects of term limits on legislative behavior
The relationship between authoritarianism and economic development
The effectiveness of public opinion polls in predicting election outcomes
The role of political parties in democratic consolidation
The impact of judicial activism on policy outcomes
The relationship between public opinion and policy outcomes
The effectiveness of citizen initiatives in promoting policy change
The impact of globalization on political institutions
The effects of campaign advertising on voter behavior
The relationship between nationalism and foreign policy
The impact of voting laws on political participation
The role of interest groups in shaping foreign policy
The effects of social movements on political change
The relationship between democracy and economic growth
The effectiveness of lobbying on policy outcomes
The impact of the media on political polarization
The role of international norms in promoting human rights
The relationship between government corruption and economic development
The effectiveness of policy diffusion in promoting policy change
The impact of trade policies on economic growth
The role of international institutions in managing global crises
The effects of populism on democratic governance
The relationship between foreign aid and economic development
The effectiveness of proportional representation systems in promoting democracy
The impact of social media on political participation
The role of civil liberties in democratic governance
The effects of decentralization on governance
The relationship between nationalism and democratic governance
The effectiveness of public-private partnerships in promoting economic development
The role of the military in democratic governance
The effects of federalism on policy outcomes
The effectiveness of conflict resolution strategies in promoting peace
The impact of political polarization on policy outcomes
The role of transparency in promoting democratic governance
The effects of immigration policies on social cohesion
The relationship between gender and political representation
The effectiveness of international human rights law in promoting accountability
The impact of social media on political participation and voter behavior.
The role of the media in shaping public opinion on immigration policies.
An analysis of the impact of economic inequality on democratic participation.
A study of the effect of international aid on development and political stability in low-income countries.
A comparative analysis of the political systems of China and the United States.
An examination of the impact of political polarization on the effectiveness of democratic governance.
The role of political parties in shaping government policies and programs.
The impact of lobbying on government decision-making.
An analysis of the impact of political corruption on economic development.
The role of civil society organizations in promoting democratic governance.
A study of the effect of public opinion on foreign policy decision-making.
An examination of the role of interest groups in shaping environmental policy.
The impact of globalization on the distribution of wealth and power.
An analysis of the impact of campaign finance laws on the electoral process.
The role of the judiciary in protecting individual rights and freedoms.
A comparative analysis of the healthcare systems of developed countries.
An examination of the impact of terrorism on civil liberties and human rights.
The role of international organizations in promoting global governance.
An analysis of the impact of social movements on political change.
A study of the effect of political violence on democratic governance.
The impact of political ideology on public policy.
The role of the executive branch in shaping foreign policy.
An examination of the impact of gender on political representation and leadership.
The impact of climate change on global security and governance.
A comparative analysis of the education systems of developed countries.
An analysis of the impact of gerrymandering on electoral outcomes.
The role of the military in shaping foreign policy and national security.
The impact of populism on democratic governance.
An examination of the role of civil liberties in protecting individual rights.
The impact of political polarization on social welfare policies.
The role of political elites in shaping public policy and decision-making.
The impact of the media on the political agenda-setting process.
A study of the effect of political institutions on economic growth.
The role of international law in shaping global governance.
The impact of nationalism on international relations.
An analysis of the impact of immigration on social cohesion and integration.
The role of trade agreements in shaping global economic governance.
A comparative analysis of the electoral systems of developed countries.
An examination of the impact of economic sanctions on global governance.
The impact of public opinion on the implementation of social welfare policies.
A study of the effect of military intervention on democratic governance.
The role of international human rights law in protecting individual rights and freedoms.
The impact of populism on social welfare policies.
An analysis of the impact of religious institutions on political decision-making.
The role of non-state actors in shaping global governance.
The impact of political discourse on political behavior and attitudes.
A study of the effect of globalization on income inequality.
The role of international trade in shaping global economic governance.
An examination of the impact of colonialism on modern political systems.
The impact of regionalism on international relations.
The role of media bias in shaping public opinion on political issues.
An analysis of the impact of populism on democratic governance.
A comparative study of the political systems of democratic and authoritarian regimes.
The impact of gender on political representation and decision-making.
A study of the effect of the European Union on national sovereignty and democracy.
An examination of the role of civil society in promoting democracy and human rights.
The impact of immigration on social welfare policies in developed countries.
A comparative analysis of the healthcare systems of developed and developing countries.
An analysis of the impact of corruption on economic development and political stability.
The role of interest groups in shaping public policy and decision-making.
The impact of international organizations on global governance and cooperation.
A study of the effect of campaign finance regulations on political campaigns and electoral outcomes.
An examination of the role of the judiciary in protecting individual rights and liberties.
The impact of political ideology on foreign policy decision-making.
A comparative analysis of the education systems of developed and developing countries.
An analysis of the impact of nationalism on international relations and global governance.
The impact of climate change on national security and foreign policy.
A study of the effect of military intervention on human rights and democracy.
An examination of the impact of gerrymandering on electoral outcomes and representation.
The role of non-state actors in shaping global governance and decision-making.
The impact of economic inequality on democratic participation and representation.
A comparative analysis of the electoral systems of democratic and authoritarian regimes.
An analysis of the impact of social movements on political change and decision-making.
The role of civil liberties in protecting individual rights and freedoms.
A study of the effect of international trade agreements on global economic governance.
An examination of the role of interest groups in shaping environmental policy and decision-making.
The impact of populism on social welfare policies and economic development.
An analysis of the impact of political polarization on the effectiveness of democratic governance.
The impact of colonialism on modern political systems and institutions.
A study of the effect of economic sanctions on global governance and cooperation.
An examination of the impact of religious institutions on political decision-making and human rights.
The role of regionalism in shaping international relations and global governance.
The impact of social media on political participation and activism.
An analysis of the impact of international aid on development and political stability in low-income countries.
The role of the executive branch in shaping foreign policy and national security.
A study of the effect of political violence on democratic governance and human rights.
The impact of trade policy on global economic governance and cooperation.
An analysis of the impact of political corruption on economic development and political stability.
The impact of public opinion on foreign policy decision-making and international relations.
A study of the effect of military spending on economic growth and development.
An examination of the role of civil society organizations in promoting democratic governance and human rights.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

300+ Science Research Topics

500+ Sports Research Topics

300+ Mental Health Research Topics

500+ Qualitative Research Titles and Topics

300+ American History Research Paper Topics

500+ Medical Research Topic Ideas

News and Events
Our History
Hire a GW PhD
Faculty by Research Area
Support Political Science

Department of Political Science

Columbian College of Arts & Sciences

News & Events
Alumni Outcomes
Work With Us
BA in Political Science
BA in Political Science, Public Policy Focus
BS in Political Science
Combined Programs
Minor in Political Science
Minor in Public Policy
Undergraduate Advising
Resources & Opportunities
MA in Political Science

PhD in Political Science

Graduate Student Resources
Publications & Awards
Core Focus Areas
Faculty Books
Full-Time Faculty
Associated Faculty
Emeriti Faculty
Professorial Lecturers
Postdoctoral Associates
Faculty Office Hours
Graduate Students

The Ph.D. in Political Science program prepares students to be outstanding researchers and scholars at top universities, policy think tanks, consulting firms, and U.S. and international institutions. Working in small classes and with experienced faculty mentors, doctoral students construct a program around a major and minor field of study.

Recent dissertation topics have spanned women's organizations and the partisan gender gap, judicial politics in the Middle East, media freedom in Turkey, social justice in the corporate world, and coercive kidnappings in violent political organizations. Our students present their research at conferences around the country, earn awards and prestigious research grants for their scholarship, and publish articles in major journals, such as International Security, American Political Science Review, International Organization, Perspectives on Politics, and Journal of Politics.

Funding is guaranteed for five years, conditional on adequate progress.

Admissions & Requirements

Course Offerings by Subfield

Policies and Resources

PhD Job Placement Data

The deadline for our MA program is April 1, 2025, for Fall 2025 admission. Our next PhD application deadline is Dec. 15, 2024, for Fall 2025 admission. If you have questions, please contact the Department Administrator by email: [email protected] .

Major and Minor Fields

Doctoral students choose both a major and minor field of study. Any of the major fields is also an option for a minor.

Major Fields

American Politics
International Relations
Comparative Politics

Minor Fields

Political Theory
Public Policy
Research Methods

Learn About Research by Field

Course Requirements

Code	Title	Credits
Required
	Introduction to Empirical Political Analysis
	Craft of Political Inquiry
	Dissertation Development Workshop
Five major field courses, including a field seminar, if applicable.
Four minor field courses, including a field seminar, if applicable.

Additional requirements

In addition to required coursework, program requirements consists of two comprehensive examinations covering a primary and supporting field, an original research paper, and a dissertation demonstrating the capacity to undertake original and significant research. The research paper, to be completed by the second year in the program, must reflect the student's ability to conduct original research. Students prepare for the comprehensive exams by taking at least five courses in their primary field and at least four courses in their supporting field, selected according to departmental guidelines. Three primary fields are available: American politics, international relations, and comparative politics. In addition, political theory, public policy, and research methodology are available as supporting fields. Petitions for a self-designed minor field (e.g., political communications) composed primarily of courses not offered by the established fields can be jointly proposed by students and faculty. All students must complete a sequence of courses in research methodology comprising PSC 8101 , PSC 8108 , and PSC 8109 .

A recommendation to the Dean for Admissions to candidacy, or the dissertation research stage, will be considered upon satisfactory completion of all coursework, research paper, field examinations, and successful defense of the dissertation prospectus. Students must pass their primary field examination with a satisfactory pass or above and must pass their supporting field examination with a bare pass or above in order to be considered eligible for promotion to candidacy. Admission to candidacy is permitted only if the student’s performance on the examinations and in the coursework gives a good indication of success in the second unit. Passing the field examinations does not in itself ensure admission to candidacy.

The dissertation prospectus must outline the central research question(s), relate the proposed research to the existing literature, detail a research methodology, and explain the nature of the original contribution that the completed project will provide. The prospectus must be presented and defended in an open forum, which all faculty and doctoral students are invited to attend. The full dissertation must be similarly defended. A dual degree program enables students to earn the master of public policy along with the PhD in the field of political science.

Graduate Program

Pushing the Scholarly Frontier

PhD in Political Science

Our doctoral students are advancing political science as a discipline. They explore the empirical phenomena that produce new scholarly insights—insights that improve the way governments and societies function. As a result, MIT Political Science graduates are sought after for top teaching and research positions in the U.S. and abroad. Read where program alumni are working around the world.

How the PhD program works

The MIT PhD in Political Science requires preparation in two of these major fields:

American Politics
Comparative Politics
International Relations
Models and Methods
Political Economy
Security Studies

We recommend that you take a broad array of courses across your two major fields. In some cases, a single course may overlap across the subject matter of both fields. You may not use more than one such course to "double count" for the course distribution requirement. Keep in mind that specific fields may have additional requirements.

You are free to take subjects in other departments across the Institute. Cross-registration arrangements also permit enrollment in subjects taught in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University and in some of Harvard's other graduate schools.

Requirements

1. number of subjects.

You will need two full academic years of work to prepare for the general examinations and to meet other pre-dissertation requirements. Typically, a minimum of eight graduate subjects are required for a PhD.

2. Scope and Methods

This required one-semester seminar for first-year students introduces principles of empirical and theoretical analysis in political science.

3. Statistics

You must successfully complete at least one class in statistics.

You must successfully complete at least one class in empirical research methods.

5. Philosophy

You must successfully complete at least one class in political philosophy.

6. Foreign language or advanced statistics

You must demonstrate reading proficiency in one language other than English by successfully completing two semesters of intermediate-level coursework or an exam in that language, or you must demonstrate your knowledge of advanced statistics by successfully completing three semesters of coursework in advanced statistics. International students whose native language is not English are not subject to the language requirement.

7. Field research

We encourage you to conduct field research and to develop close working ties with faculty members engaged in major research activities.

8. Second Year Paper/workshop

You must complete an article-length research paper and related workshop in the spring semester of the second year. The second-year paper often develops into a dissertation project.

9. Two examinations

In each of your two elected fields, you must take a general written and oral examination. To prepare for these examinations, you should take at least three courses in each of the two fields, including the field seminar.

10. Doctoral thesis

As a rule, the doctoral thesis requires at least one year of original research and data collection. Writing the dissertation usually takes a substantially longer time. The thesis process includes a first and second colloquium and an oral defense. Be sure to consult the MIT Specifications for Thesis Preparation as well as the MIT Political Science Thesis Guidelines . Consult the MIT academic calendar to learn the due date for final submission of your defended, signed thesis.

Questions? Consult the MIT Political Science Departmental Handbook or a member of the staff in the MIT Political Science Graduate Office .

Political Science

Graduate dissertation.

Graduate Program

The dissertation is a substantial work of original scholarship usually ranging in length from 200 to 450 double-spaced pages.

Once coursework and both preliminary examinations are passed, the student is considered to have Advanced to Candidacy and is officially a Ph.D. candidate.

Before commencing work on the dissertation, the Department requires you to write and defend a dissertation proposal, known as the prospectus. The prospectus is written and defended during the third year in the Ph.D. program. Further information pertaining to the prospectus will be disseminated in the prospectus writing seminar (POLS2050 and POLS2051). Students are required to pass at least one preliminary exam before registering for the prospectus course.

Selection of the Dissertation Committee

Before beginning work on the prospectus, you should select a principal dissertation advisor to chair your committee. Oftentimes, students begin lining up their principal advisors during their second year in the program; in any event, you should wait no longer than the middle of your fifth semester to have yours in place. Prior to the prospectus defense (see no. 3 below), you must select two additional advisors to serve on your dissertation committee, for a minimum of three committee members. The principal advisor must be tenured and a second committee member must be tenured or tenure-track faculty in the Department of Political Science at Brown unless you obtain an exception from the DGS. One committee member may be from outside the Department of Political Science or outside Brown University.

Drafting of the Prospectus

In consultation with members of the dissertation committee, you must draft a prospectus that is consistent with the spirit if not the letter of the specifications outlined below ("Contents of the Prospectus"). Prospectus drafts (and later dissertation chapters) should be shared with the entire dissertation committee for consistent feedback and communication. The prospectus course (POLS 2050 and POLS2051) is designed to further explain the components of a prospectus and guide students through the creation of a prospectus. Students should be prepared to read and provide constructive feedback on each other's work in the class.

Defense of the Prospectus

Formal approval of the prospectus follows after a successful oral defense of the proposal, which shall be advertised in advance and open to Political Science Department faculty and graduate students.

In consultation with the three committee members and the DGS, you are responsible for scheduling the oral defense well in advance (a minimum of ten days beforehand); please do not forget to inform the DGS well in advance, so that the event can be publicized. Normally, the defense will proceed with the participation of all three committee members. In extraordinary circumstances, the defense may proceed with two examination committee members. If fewer than two committee members are able to attend, the defense must be rescheduled. Prospectus defenses are open to Political Science Department faculty and graduate students only.

The format of a typical oral defense is as follows: (1) introductory remarks by the principal advisor; (2) a brief overview of the proposed thesis project by you; (3) questions from the dissertation committee members; (4) questions from the general public, time permitting. The student will make a 10-15 minute presentation of the prospectus and then will be asked questions by any faculty members first and, time permitting, fellow graduate students in the room.

Immediately following the question session, the dissertation committee shall meet in executive session to determine whether the prospectus should be approved. There are three options available to the committee:

Once the committee has reached a decision in executive session, you will be called back into the room and informed immediately. The principal advisor will also inform the DGS of the committee's decision.

The purpose of what follows is to create a set of shared expectations among both students and faculty about the contents and organization of the prospectus. This statement is not meant to be compulsory, but it should work to the advantage of most students and their advisors.

The prospectus is typically 10-20 pages in length; indeed, the shorter the better, since it is then more easily converted into a formal proposal for external funding. The purpose of the prospectus is to pose a precise question, to set the proposed dissertation topic in an appropriate theoretical context, to allude to the relevant literature, and to describe the proposed research methods. The prospectus is not a legal contract, but a proposal. It is a beginning, the first step in a long journey. As your research progresses, you are almost certain to depart from your prospectus blueprint. Knowledge of this fact should make the exercise a less imposing hurdle. The goal of the prospectus is not to demonstrate that you know all the answers in advance. Rather, it is to establish that the question you intend to address is worth asking, and that your proposed course of action is feasible and potentially valuable in terms of its contribution to knowledge.

A satisfactory prospectus contains four basic components: a question; a statement of theoretical context; a research design; and a working bibliography.

The Question

"What is the dissertation about?" The prospectus should begin by stating the central question or puzzle that is to be addressed in the dissertation. The question should be phrased precisely, since it will determine what is or is not germane to the dissertation. Whether the puzzle is "Does Marx have a political theory?", "Why are some American regulatory agencies more effective than others?", or "What are the effects of the organization of worker training programs in Sweden, Germany, Japan, and the United States?", it should be stated within the first or second paragraph, and as clearly and succinctly as possible. This is also the appropriate place to identify the general approach adopted in the dissertation: historical, interpretive, quantitative, etc. It is also important to qualify the question in terms of geographical, temporal, and/or substantive scope: What country or countries will be examined, and over what time period? What range of an author's works will be evaluated? What kinds of bureaucratic agencies will be studied? What kinds of effects are at issue (social, economic, political)?

Treat this as an opportunity to state with clarity and conviction exactly what the core of the dissertation will be. Do not get carried away with the need to qualify here; there is plenty of time for that in Part C. This section should be no longer than two pages in length. If it feels like writing an abstract, then it's probably coming out right.

Statement of Theoretical Context

This part of the prospectus addresses the frustrating but important question, "so what?" In other words, why should one devote a thesis to the question set out in the preceding section? An effective answer requires two distinct arguments. First, you should provide a well-focused summary of the current debate(s) in your chosen subfield. This will allow your committee to see how you situate your project in the existing theoretical literature. Second, you should outline in precise terms the specific contribution(s) your dissertation will make to the subfield. If you believe you are studying a neglected yet significant subject, specify what of substance has been missed, and how your study will fill the gap. If you are building on an important literature in the field, say what has been achieved, and how your proposal adds to it. If your proposal is a case study or a comparison of multiple cases (countries, policy areas, etc.), this is an appropriate place to justify your selection of cases with reference to theory.

Five or six pages should suffice for this part of the prospectus, although in cases where the resolution of contending interpretations is an especially important part of the thesis, a bit more detail is appropriate. Whatever you do, do not set out to review the literature in depth here. Instead, write this part on the assumption that both you and your committee are familiar with the field.

Research Design

This part answers the question, "How will you answer the question set out in Part A?" Part B showed that the game is worth the candle; Part C must show that you will, in fact, finish the contest with some answers in hand. Depending on the field, this part will cover different elements, but all will need to address the following: What do you intend to do, and what does each step contribute to the project as a whole? In what order do you intend to proceed? If your investigation is empirical, what sort of evidence will you consider? If theoretical, what material will you cover and what will you do with it? Are you planning to do library work, field work, and/or quantitative analysis?

Obviously, you will not know everything you would like about this part at the time you have to defend your prospectus. But you should be able to provide your best, educated guess. In the end, your committee will be looking for evidence that (1) if everything goes according to plan, you will be able to complete a satisfactory dissertation, and (2) there is a reasonable chance that everything will in fact go well.

Six to ten pages should be enough to cover this material. You should try to provide the following sorts of information:

Working Bibliography

This is self-explanatory, but essential.

Extension of Candidacy

It is University policy that the dissertation should be completed within five years of advancing to candidacy. Since students often require more time, candidacy may be extended in cases where the faculty believes the student will finish and accepts the reasons for delay.

Annually the Graduate School will remind active students whose candidacy is about to expire that they must write to the DGS, explain why they are taking so long, and request an extension if they intend to finish. If the DGS, after consulting with the principal dissertation advisor, believes an extension is justified, s/he will make a formal request to the Graduate School. Extensions to seven years may be granted by the Graduate School; extensions longer than seven years require a vote of the Graduate Council.

Dissertation Defense and Submission

Graduate students are eligible to have degrees conferred, and to receive their diploma, at three different times over the course of the academic year. All deadlines are firm. Please review the Graduate School's Dissertation Guidelines for the most up-to-date information.

Students are required to submit a full draft of the dissertation to their dissertation committee four weeks prior to the expected defense date. If you anticipate problems meeting any of these deadlines, consult the Director of Graduate Studies or the Graduate School .

A complete description of the format of the dissertation can be found on the Graduate School website . All directions from the Graduate School must be followed exactly.

Once your dissertation committee has approved your thesis-in-draft in principle, you should agree on a date for the defense well in advance (a minimum of ten days beforehand) with your committee members and also inform the Graduate Program Coordinator so that the event can be publicized. You are responsible for scheduling the oral defense. You must complete a Dissertation Defense Information Form which must be submitted to the Graduate School at least 2 weeks prior to the defense. Normally, the defense will proceed with the participation of all three committee members in the room. In extraordinary circumstances, the defense may proceed with two examination committee members. If fewer than two committee members are able to attend, the defense must be rescheduled.

The defense is open to the public, which typically includes faculty members and other graduate students. The format of a typical oral defense is as follows:

introductory remarks by the principal advisor;
a brief overview of the dissertation by you;
questions from the dissertation committee members;
questions from the general public, time permitting.

Immediately following the question session, the dissertation committee shall meet in executive session to determine whether the dissertation should be approved. You will be called back in to hear the decision privately, as well as any further recommendations from the dissertation committee. The committee members may address the strengths and weaknesses of your dissertation, your future plans for it, and the direction you expect your work to take in the next few years.

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

100 Best Political Science Research Topics

June 3, 2024

Political science is an incredibly broad and variated discipline, containing numerous subfields that attract immense amounts of research. Researchers in the field can utilize diverse empirical or theoretical methodologies, sometimes in combination. There are specialized fields based on geographic areas, time periods, political forms and institutions, and bodies of thought. Researchers might aim to impact policy, inspire advocacy, or produce knowledge about the nature of political ideas, systems, and processes. There are even sub-disciplines that focus separately on either relations or comparisons between nation-states (international relations and comparative politics, respectively). Given this expansiveness, it can be challenging to quickly pick out compelling political science research topics.

This article provides a broad sample of political science topics. Most of the topics are already the subject of intensive research, which is ultimately something to look for when identifying a topic. Understanding the themes and subfields that already structure study in the field can ultimately help toward locating a unique research interest. From there, it’s a matter of refining interests into specific topics and, eventually, questions that drive research.

Picking Political Science Research Topics

Finding political science topics usually involves doing two things, sometimes simultaneously. The first requires understanding what prominent topics already exist in the field(s). After all, this discipline has been around for many decades, with incredible amounts of published research each year. It’s best to not try to wholly reinvent the wheel in this case, or risk selecting a topic for which there is no available research. The second entails reflecting on what feels important to research. A topic could be significant because it is remarkably timely or because there is some pragmatic outcome in mind. The researcher might even have a personal connection with the topic on top of these other kinds of factors. Pursuing research that feels important is an evergreen recommendation – otherwise, research can be produced without any clear purpose or benefit in mind.

So, when picking political science research topics, consider these processes and resources:

1) Start with what interests you. Take inventory of your personal and intellectual experiences and how they might intersect with what you know about political research. How would you map your experiences geographically or historically? What themes in the political sphere grab your attention? In what ways have you and others around you interacted with formal politics? Understanding what you are motivated to learn about makes the process of selecting among political science topics more organic.

Picking Political Science Research Topics (Cont.)

2) Consider what feels urgent. Political science has a good deal of overlap with the discipline of history. But perhaps even more than historians, political scientists are committed to understanding and improving politics in the present. A great deal of tremendous scholarship is sparked from this presentist impulse. What news items are persistently interesting or seem to revolve around intractably complex problems? A topic connected to widely recognized issues in the present will almost immediately justify the resulting research.

3) Survey field categories and literature. Usually, topics that are timely will already be drawing attention from other researchers. It’s also possible to spark curiosity through understanding how others have framed topics and questions. However, the most important reason for this step is to ensure that a research topic will have enough published writing around it to warrant attention. There are many ways to complete a survey within or across political science fields. To start, fields like comparative politics have field-specific journals and anthologies with useful descriptions and citations. There is the Journal of Comparative Politics , a journal called Comparative Political Studies , and a big anthology called Comparative Politics: A Practical Guide . Another extremely helpful resource is the research database known as Oxford Bibliographies . There, political science scholars compile bibliographic entries that define subfields and provide key citations.

Again, these are not strictly sequential steps. Often, it’s necessary to engage existing topics and research questions and use them to inspire reflection on what feels significant. Or it’s likely that specific interests will help delimit subfields, making it easier to comb through topics.

It’s important to narrow topics so that a researcher could reasonably become an expert on. In Oxford Bibliographies, many times they break very broad topics into multiple subtopics, each with its own body of literature. But it can also be useful to think about the research question that might stem from the broad topic. What specifically is it that needs to be known about this topic? What causes and effects are involved in phenomena we can see and describe but have not yet analyzed? Or what can be critiqued, evaluated, improved or replaced? Finding how a broad topic can lead to descriptive, analytical, or evaluative research questions is the most effective way to identify compelling and specific topics.

The List – Political Science Research Topics (1-30)

African politics.

1) African Ethnic, Linguistic, and Religious Minority Political Representation

2) Authoritarianism in the Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa

3) Comparative Political Structures of African Urban Governments

4) Democratization Policies and Political Movements in Africa

5) Ethnic and Religious Plurality in the Politics of Nigeria

6) National and Transnational LGBTQ Political Movements in Africa

7) Political Organization Around Climate Crises in Africa

8) Public Opinion on International NGOs in Africa

9) South Africa’s Governmental Policies for COVID Vaccination

10) Women in African Politics

Asian Politics

11) Competing Claims to Sovereignty in the South China Sea

12) Economic and Cultural Effects of China’s One-Child Policy

13) Labor Politics in China

14) Media Politics and Expression in Asian Countries

15) Nationalism and Religious Minorities in India

16) Philippine Politics and the Illicit Drug Economy

17) Social Movements in East Asia

18) South Korean Policies Addressing Demographic Decline

19) Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong

20) Youth Protest Movements in Taiwan

Comparative Politics

21) Authoritarian Populism in Brazil, Hungary, and India

22) Countries that Host Foreign-Owned Nuclear Weapons

23) Diasporas and National Politics in South and East Asian Countries

24) Differences in Environmental Politics Between the Global North and Global South

25) Elections in Sierra Leone and Their Differences from Other Countries

26) Governmental Responses to Gang Violence in Different Latin American Countries

27) Income Inequality in Advanced Democracies

28) Indigenous Rights and Politics in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand

29) Laws Surrounding Abortion in the U.S. and the U.K.

30) State Legitimacy and Authority in Botswana and Somalia

Political Science Topics (31-60)

European politics.

31) Authoritarianism and Media Politics in Turkey

32) Austerity, White Identity Politics, and Brexit

33) Ethnic and Religious Minority Representation in the European Union

34) European Public Opinion on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

35) Far-Right Political Mobilization in Europe

36) France’s Political Opposition to Multicultural Pluralism

37) Immigration, Islamophobia, and European Union Political Campaigns

38) Political Challenges and Opportunities for European Integration

39) Regime Transitions in Post-Communist Eastern Europe

40) Welfare State Development in Western Europe

International Relations

41) Border Security Politics, Immigration, and International Relations

42) Efficacy of International Criminal Justice Bodies

43) Energy Politics of International Relations

44) Global Economy of Illicit Drugs

45) Global Politics of Intellectual Property

46) International Conflict Management

47) International NGOs and Their Effects on National Politics

48) Political Responses to Transboundary Pollution

49) Preferential Trade Agreements and Tariff Wars

50) Regulation of International Private Corporations

Latin American Politics

51) Authoritarianism and Democratization in Brazil’s Political History

52) Christian Transnational Political Mobilization in Latin America

53) Electoral Volatility and Suppression in Venezuela

54) Government Responses to Organized Crime in Mexico and Central America

55) Guerilla Insurgencies in Latin America

56) Neoliberalism and Democracy in Latin America

57) Military Government in Latin America, 1959-1990

58) Populism’s Role in Shaping Latin American Politics

59) Poverty, Inequality, and Development in Latin America

60) Regional Economic, Political, and Cultural Integration in Latin America

Political Science Research Topics (61-90)

Methodology.

61) Accuracy and Reliability of Models Predicting Election Outcomes

62) Applying Game Theory to Understand Political Strategies

63) Development of Survey Methods and Research

64) Ethical Problems Surrounding the Use of Experiments in Political Research

65) Experimental Methods for Promoting Voter Turnout

66) Impact of Survey Design and Sampling Techniques on Validity in Public Opinion Polls

67) Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Political Research

68) Machine Learning Techniques and Political Science

69) Researching Politics Through Big Data

70) Using Ethnography to Study Political Behavior and Institutions

Middle Eastern Politics

71) Comparative Politics of the Middle East and North Africa

72) Democracy, Statehood, and the Israel-Palestine Peace Process

73) Immigrant Labor Politics in Oil-Rich Middle East Countries

74) Mobilization and Oppression Through Media Control in the Arab Spring

75) Oil Wealth, Political Stability, and Economic Development in the Middle East

76) Political Islam, National, and International Politics in the Middle East

77) Postcolonialism and the Political Development of Iran

78) S. Foreign Policy and Its Effects on Stability and Governance in the Middle East

79) Women’s Political Participation in the Middle East and North Africa

80) Water Politics and Their Impact on Middle Easter International Relations and Security

Political Theory

81) Critical Political Theory and the Frankfurt School

82) Development of Political Thought in Ancient China

83) Effects of New Media (i.e., TVs, CDs, social messaging platforms) in Politics

84) Feminist Interventions in Political Thought

85) Hegelian and Counter-Hegelian Political Thought

86) Intersectionality in Political Theory

87) Nationalist and Cosmopolitan Political Thought

88) Religion in Classical and Contemporary Political Thought

89) Political Representation and Policy Responsiveness to Public Opinion

90) Postcolonial and Decolonial Political Theory

Political Science Topics (91-100)

U.s. politics.

91) Age and Generational Differences in U.S. Politics

92) Asian American Politics and Political Movements

93) Campaign Advertising in U.S. Elections

94) Celebrity Influence on Political Campaigns in the U.S.

95) Interest Groups and Modern U.S. Conservativism

96) Litigation Strategies in Political Contests Over Abortion

97) Politics of Electoral Redistricting in the U.S.

98) Politics of U.S. Healthcare System and Reform

99) S. Politics and Policies of Mass Incarceration

100) Voter Opinion on Women Political Candidates

Final Thoughts on Political Science Research Topics

Political science topics are rarely one-size-fits-all. Like many humanistic and other modes of research, topics typically suit the specific interests and motivations of the researcher. Do you want to improve a method or practical process? Are you interested in the politics of a specific region, or motivated to learn about something especially urgent? Where is the conversation within or across fields, and where might you have the most to contribute? Combining careful self-assessment and knowledge of research fields is the best way to effectively carve out your own chunk of the gigantic discipline that is political science.

Political Science Research Topics – Additional Resources

Good Persuasive Speech Topics
Debate Topics
Argumentative Essay Topics
Social Issues Topics
Easy Science Experiments for Kids
62 Research Opportunities for High School Students
150 Journal Prompts for Kids, Middle, and High School Students
141 Fun, Weird, and Interesting Facts
High School Success

Tyler Talbott

Tyler holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Missouri and two Master of Arts degrees in English, one from the University of Maryland and another from Northwestern University. Currently, he is a PhD candidate in English at Northwestern University, where he also works as a graduate writing fellow.

2-Year Colleges
Application Strategies
Best Colleges by Major
Best Colleges by State
Big Picture
Career & Personality Assessment
College Essay
College Search/Knowledge
College Success
Costs & Financial Aid
Data Visualizations
Dental School Admissions
Extracurricular Activities
Graduate School Admissions
High Schools
Homeschool Resources
Law School Admissions
Medical School Admissions
Navigating the Admissions Process
Online Learning
Outdoor Adventure
Private High School Spotlight
Research Programs
Summer Program Spotlight
Summer Programs
Teacher Tools
Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

I am a... Student Student Parent Counselor Educator Other First Name Last Name Email Address Zip Code Area of Interest Business Computer Science Engineering Fine/Performing Arts Humanities Mathematics STEM Pre-Med Psychology Social Studies/Sciences Submit

Research Paper Guides
Research Paper Topics

Political Science Research Topics: 340 Best Ideas to Choose From

Speech Topics
Basics of Essay Writing
Essay Topics
Other Essays
Main Academic Essays
Basics of Research Paper Writing
Miscellaneous
Chicago/ Turabian
Data & Statistics
Methodology
Admission Writing Tips
Admission Advice
Other Guides
Student Life
Studying Tips
Understanding Plagiarism
Academic Writing Tips
Basics of Dissertation & Thesis Writing

Essay Guides
Formatting Guides
Basics of Research Process
Admission Guides
Dissertation & Thesis Guides

Table of contents

Use our free Readability checker

Political science plays an important role in how we shape the world around us. It offers insight into governments, political systems, public policies, international relations, and more. This makes it a broad subject to explore. But it can also be challenging to find a captivating political science research topic.

To make things easier, we’ve collected multiple political science research paper topics that suit any taste and need. We made a step further and divided these ideas into accessible categories. Choose the area you are most interested in and get ready to find a bunch of political science research topics in your domain.

But first things first, let’s figure out what politics is all about.

What Are Political Science Research Topics?

Politics is the study of governments, public policies, and political processes. It investigates how societies make decisions. Political science also examines how decisions affect people, both on a small scale, like a neighborhood, and on a global scale, like international relations.

Political science research paper topics can range widely within this discipline. Depending on your interests and goals, you could explore anything from voting behavior to gender equality in politics. You can also study global diplomatic relations, electoral systems, or the influence of media on political outcomes.

Characteristics of Good Political Science Research Paper Topics

Politics shapes our world in myriad ways. Every aspect of it bears relevance and offers a platform for thoughtful discourse, making it a fertile field for academic exploration.

However, good political science topics aren’t just about selecting a subject itself. Great ideas require elements of intrigue, relevance, and potential for in-depth examination, all while showcasing your input. So, what should you consider while choosing between different political research topics? Well, your passion and expertise are pivotal. Your topic should resonate with your interests and align with your academic focus.

Here's a brief overview of characteristics that make up engaging political science research topics:

Relevant and contemporary
Balanced in its scope
Well-documented and containing enough material
Interesting to you as well as your readers
Suitable for follow-up studies and/or additional research.

How to Choose a Political Science Research Topic?

Stumped about which political science topic to choose for your research paper? It's a common dilemma for many students. You shouldn’t just pick a theme. You must ensure that your topic sustains your interest, meets academic requirements, and resonates with your audience.

No need to stress, though! This blog is here to help you navigate these tricky waters. Our online essay writer team has shared these step-by-step guidelines to help you choose a successful topic for your political science paper:

Start with something you’re passionate about. Your enthusiasm and interest will animate the project and guide you to success.
Come up with an original idea that hasn’t been explored in depth before or is still relevant today.
Find something that’s timely and engaging to a wider audience. This should be something that people care about and are actively discussing.
Look for hidden connections, patterns, and solutions. Make sure your political science research topic is complex enough to ensure in-depth research.
Gather the necessary materials beforehand. Ensure availability of information before you begin analyzing your theme.

List of Political Science Research Topics

Before you plunge into our expertly compiled list, remember to double-check your instructor's guidelines. Aligning your choice with your course requirements is vital. Now, prepare to browse through the most captivating politics research topics that could be the launchpad for your future paper.

Understanding democracy: An evolving concept.
Rise of populism in 21st-century politics.
Climate change and global governance.
Role of United Nations: Effectiveness and criticisms.
Politics behind nuclear disarmament.
Influence of social media on political campaigns.
Immigration policies: A comparative study.
Human rights and foreign policy.
Impact of political instability on economic growth.
Cybersecurity in international relations.
Decoding political symbolism in public spaces.
Feminism and its political impact.
Role of youth in politics.
Is healthcare a political issue?
Examining political bias in media.

Easy Political Science Research Topics

While the field of political science can seem intricate, there are areas within it that are more accessible, yet equally intriguing. If you're new to the discipline or prefer less complex issues, this list of simple political science paper topics could be your go-to. Each topic is designed to offer an easy entry point into political science, but still, provide room for critical analysis .

Defining basic political ideologies: Liberalism, Conservatism, and Socialism.
How does voting work? An overview.
Impact of political cartoons on public opinion.
Presidential vs. parliamentary systems.
Role of lobby groups in shaping policy.
Political satire and its influence.
Environmental policy: Understanding basics.
What role does local government play?
Does every vote count in elections?
How accurate are public opinion polls?
Politics in sports.
Privacy rights in a digital era.
Gender representation in politics.
Patriotism vs. nationalism: Understanding the difference.
Role of celebrities in political campaigns.

Interesting Political Science Research Topics

Political science never falls short of captivating topics. With its dynamic nature and its intricate connection to real-world issues, there's always something noteworthy to explore. We've done our utmost to curate a list of topics in political science that will pique anyone’s curiosity:

Lessons from literature on dystopian governance.
The war on drugs policy.
What influence does propaganda have on contemporary governance?
How governing ideologies influence art.
Balancing national security with personal freedoms.
Importance of whistleblowers in democratic societies.
Rhetoric and reality behind political speeches.
Implications of artificial intelligence on governance.
Attainability of world peace: A critical perspective.
Dynamics of power in non-democratic systems.
Global pandemics and their effects on governance.
Competing for Mars: A new space race.
Impact of religion on governance.
Perspective on animal rights from a political viewpoint.
Food accessibility: Who decides who gets to eat what?

Good Topics for a Political Science Research Paper

Scoring points with your professor often comes down to choosing compelling and thought-provoking research paper ideas . The following list includes good political science research questions that are in tune with contemporary discourse. Each topic offers plenty of room to showcase your analytical skills and knowledge.

Evaluating e-democracy: Benefits and drawbacks.
How migration policies shape nations.
Media as a tool for political persuasion.
Political philosophy in science fiction literature.
Trade wars and global relations.
Is there a global shift towards autocracy?
Understanding diplomatic immunity: Rights and abuses.
Role of non-state actors in shaping international policy.
Rise of nationalism in globalized societies.
Impact of climate change on national security.
Examination of censorship laws across nations.
Can blockchain technology revolutionize voting systems?
Decoding political rhetoric in campaign promises.
Gender pay gap: A policy analysis.
Influence of economic inequality on social unrest.

Best Political Science Research Topics

We have curated an irresistible list of political science topics for a research paper. These ideas range from pressing international issues to more granular policy questions, all guaranteed to challenge your analytical skills.

Exploring causes and effects of global populism.
Transparency as a key to ethical political leadership.
Evaluating the role of social media censorship in political landscapes.
Influence of multiculturalism on policy development.
Unpacking the outcomes and justifications of military interventions.
Corruption's destructive role in democratic systems.
Merits and pitfalls of technocracy.
Interplay of bureaucracy and governance.
Pathways to address political polarization.
Effects of historical colonization on current government structures.
Role of extremism in shaping international relations.
How global climate commitments affect nations.
Using sanctions as a diplomatic tool.
Conflict resolution through international law.
Geopolitics in outer space exploration.

Current Research Topics in Political Science

Political science is a progressing field, so the problems you research will always be relevant. Our list of up-to-date topics of political science will help you make sure your paper is on point.

Artificial intelligence in global governance.
Global health governance in pandemics.
Impact of digital currencies on economies.
Changes in contemporary immigration attitudes.
Climate crisis' role in diplomatic dialogues.
Social movements and societal change.
Tech giants and information control.
Civil liberties in pandemic responses.
Gender disparities in political representation.
Decolonization trends in the 21st century.
Cyber warfare and national security.
Ethics of drone warfare.
Crypto-anarchy and state sovereignty.
Right-wing extremism in the digital age.
Power dynamics in international space law.

Political Science Research Topic Ideas for Students

Navigating politics can be overwhelming for students, given its broad nature and intersecting disciplines. With the right research topics for political science, however, this complexity transforms into an opportunity for a decent study. Our list of political science research topics ideas is designed with students in mind, focusing on engaging, relevant, and manageable themes.

Political Science Research Paper Topics for College Students

For college students, political science topics for research papers should strike a balance between complexity and approachability. With that in mind, here's a collection of college-level political topics to write about.

Leadership styles across governments.
Impact of gender roles in election campaigns.
Role of think tanks in shaping public opinion.
Studying historical revolutions and their aftermath.
Influence of socio-economic status on voting behavior.
Exploring ethical dilemmas in international relations.
Cultural diplomacy and its effectiveness.
Sovereignty disputes and their resolution.
Rise and implications of digital citizenship.
Evaluating meritocracy as a system of governance.
Role of peacekeeping operations in conflict resolution.
Comparing capitalist and socialist economies.
Decoding cyber diplomacy in the digital age.
Relationship between economic crises and political changes.
Minority rights in democratic societies.

Political Science Research Topics for University

When it comes to political topics to talk about in university, politics offers a variety of interesting options. Here's a list of captivating research ideas that are sure to get you top grades:

Political revolutions in the digital age.
Comparative study of political systems.
Effectiveness of international climate agreements.
Unraveling political consequences of economic sanctions.
Studying neocolonialism in modern economies.
Impact of income inequality on social stability.
Debating political implications of universal basic income.
Role of international courts in global governance.
Influence of cultural diversity on national policies.
Dissecting geopolitics in Arctic resource exploitation.
Understanding post-conflict reconciliation processes.
Evaluating state responses to refugee crises.
Study of civil disobedience in democratic societies.
Role of soft power in international relations.
Disentangling politics of global water disputes.

Political Science Research Topics by Subjects

Political science is a diverse field, consisting of multiple subdomains. To help you spot a fitting theme, we've organized research paper topics for political science according to these subjects. From international relations to public policy, this assortment promises a treasure trove of research opportunities just waiting to be explored.

Philosophy Political Science Research Topics

Philosophy politics research topics explore the intersection of political science and philosophical thought. These themes focus on fundamental questions, such as the purpose of politics and its effects on society. Here are a few ideas to get your started:

Relevance of Machiavelli's theories today.
Understanding justice in Plato's Republic.
Influence of Kantian ethics on governance.
Are human rights universal or culturally relative?
Interplay of liberty and equality in societies.
Exploring Hobbes' notion of social contract.
Rawls versus Nozick: theories of justice compared.
Feminist perspectives on political participation.
Role of ethics in bureaucratic institutions.
Marx's theory of capitalism: A critical review.
Foucault's perspectives on power and control.
Locke's influence on modern democracies.
Concepts of civil disobedience in Thoreau's writings.
Arendt on violence, power, and authority.
Exploring Gramsci's theory of cultural hegemony.
Derrida's deconstruction: A political tool?
Nietzsche’s perspectives on societal structure.
Understanding politics through Spinoza's lens.
Evaluating communitarianism in contemporary societies.
Habermas on communicative action in politics.

>> View more: Philosophy Paper Topics

Political Science Research Topics on Public Law

Public law is one of the most popular subdomains of political science, as it focuses on legal systems and state power. It's a domain that lets you explore how laws are formulated, implemented, and impact society. Below you can find various political research questions in public law, including constitutional issues, administrative governance, and individual rights, among others.

Role of constitution in shaping governance.
Impact of judicial activism on democracy.
Analyzing separation of powers in governments.
Free speech rights in digital platforms.
Repercussions of surveillance laws on privacy.
Comparative study of electoral laws.
Analyzing federalism in constitutional law.
Police power and civil liberties.
Effectiveness of anti-discrimination laws.
Administrative discretion: Power and accountability.
Impact of immigration laws on societies.
Understanding lawmaking process in parliamentary systems.
Role of supreme courts in constitutional interpretation.
Law enforcement and minority rights.
Legal aspects of environmental protection.
Hate speech laws and freedom of expression.
Public health laws in times of crisis.
Legal mechanisms to fight corruption.
Analyzing gun control laws across nations.
Legal challenges in the implementation of welfare policies.

>> Learn more: Law Research Topics

Research Topics in Political Science on Public Administration

Public administration is the study of how governments and other public institutions are managed. It examines their structures, operations, policies, and politics to understand how they work in practice. Here's a collection of project topics for political science on public administration worth attention:

Understanding bureaucracy in modern governance.
Role of public administrators in policy implementation.
Effect of administrative reforms on public services.
Importance of ethics in public administration.
Evaluating public financial management systems.
Role of e-governance in public service delivery.
Analyzing gender representation in public administration.
Public administration in urban planning.
Role of public-private partnerships in governance.
Crisis management strategies in public administration.
Leadership challenges in public organizations.
Role of transparency in public service delivery.
Organizational culture in public administration.
Analyzing the politics-administration dichotomy.
Decision-making processes in public organizations.
Evaluating accountability mechanisms in public administration.
Human resource challenges in public services.
Impact of corruption on public administration.
Role of citizens' participation in public administration.
Comparative study of public administration models.

Political Science Research Paper Topics on Comparative Politics

Comparative politics research topics offer a window into how different political systems operate, what works, and what needs reevaluation. It encourages you to step outside the boundaries of your local context and grasp a more global perspective on political processes. The following political essay topics and paper ideas will fit any compare and contrast essay or project.

Social welfare measures across democracies.
Examining stability in different governmental systems.
Comparative analysis of electoral mechanisms.
Impact of societal culture on governance.
Federalism versus unitary systems: A comparative study.
Scrutinizing corruption in diverse economies.
A cross-nation study of education systems.
Protection of minority rights across countries.
Comparing freedom of the press globally.
Role of armed forces in various governmental structures.
Analyzing constitutional designs across nations.
A study on decentralization efforts in different countries.
Comparative research on party systems.
Gender and leadership: A cross-country examination.
Populism in different societal contexts.
Comparative view of environmental conservation measures.
Human rights protections in different nations.
Influence of colonial history on modern governance.
Cross-national study of immigration rules.
Role of religion in different governance systems.

Political Science Research Topics on Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is an essential field in political science, focusing on the methods and strategies used to mitigate disputes on local, national, and international levels. It opens up opportunities to explore how peace is achieved, maintained, and sometimes lost. Below you can find political issues to write about if you want to focus on different disputes.

Peacebuilding strategies in post-war societies.
Role of diplomacy in averting conflicts.
Effectiveness of international arbitration.
Power sharing as a tool for peace.
Influence of civil society on conflict resolution.
Role of United Nations in global peacekeeping.
Mediation strategies in intra-state conflicts.
Women in peace negotiations.
Strategies for resolving territorial disputes.
Analyzing post-conflict reconciliation processes.
Impact of economic sanctions on conflict resolution.
Role of international law in conflict mitigation.
Effectiveness of non-violent resistance.
Analyzing the success of peace treaties.
Study of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration processes.
Resolving resource-based conflicts.
Role of third parties in conflict resolution.
Approaches to addressing ethnic conflicts.
Influence of climate change on conflict resolution.
Cyber conflict resolution strategies.

Political Science Research Topics on Meditation and Negotiation

Mediation and negotiation sit at the heart of conflict resolution, focusing on peaceful strategies to address disputes and foster cooperation. These techniques find wide application in various contexts, from local disagreements to international conflicts. These interesting research topics in political science allow you to understand how these processes work in theory and practice:

Role of intermediaries in peace processes.
Strategies for successful diplomatic discussions.
Comparative analysis of negotiation techniques.
Dialogue styles in international diplomacy.
Analyzing the success of secret diplomatic talks.
Role of non-state actors in negotiation.
Gender dynamics in discussion processes.
Influence of cultural factors on dispute resolution.
Role of international organizations in diplomatic dialogues.
Arbitration in maritime territorial disputes.
Use of discussions in trade agreements.
Role of trust in successful dialogues.
Addressing power asymmetry in discussions.
Track II diplomacy in mediation.
Impact of communication technology on dispute settlement.
Role of empathy in successful negotiation.
Influence of domestic politics on international mediation..
Conflict resolution strategies in labor disputes.
Role of transparency in negotiations.
Evolution of dispute resolution techniques over time.

>> View more: Communication Research Topics

International Relations Political Research Topics

International relations explores connections among nations, the roles of sovereign states, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and multinational corporations. This field offers a multitude of engaging research topics ranging from issues of diplomacy, international conflict, global cooperation, to international trade. Here are some political science research ideas that focus on international relations:

Role of multinational corporations in global governance.
Cross-border environmental cooperation.
Effectiveness of international law enforcement.
Influence of globalism on sovereignty.
Impact of digital diplomacy in foreign relations.
Evolution of global power structures.
Influence of cultural diplomacy in global partnerships.
Strategies for global poverty reduction.
Understanding geopolitics in Arctic exploration.
Challenges to global health collaboration.
Role of non-state actors in global governance.
Interplay of economics and international relations.
Humanitarian interventions: A critical analysis.
Cross-border migration and its global implications.
International responses to global pandemics.
Role of international courts in justice delivery.
Diplomacy in the age of information technology.
Analyzing global disarmament efforts.
Global efforts in counter-terrorism.
Evolution of international trade agreements.

American Politics Research Paper Topics

American politics is a wide-ranging field, including issues from the local, state, to national levels. It incorporates diverse aspects like public opinion, public policy, ideological shifts, and more. The United States' unique political system offers abundant potential for research. Here are American politics research topics for your next project:

Evolution of American federalism.
Impact of Supreme Court decisions on society.
Understanding American political polarization.
Role of third parties in U.S. elections.
Influence of social movements on legislation.
Examining executive orders' effectiveness.
Shifts in public opinion on climate change.
Impact of lobbying on American health care reform.
Influence of Presidential debates on voters.
Effects of gerrymandering on electoral outcomes.
Analyzing campaign finance reform in U.S.
Role of think tanks in shaping U.S. policy.
Implications of immigration reform on U.S. economy.
Gun control debate and policy outcomes.
Social justice and law enforcement reform.
Influence of race and ethnicity on voting patterns.
Role of the media in shaping public opinion.
Analyzing the U.S. response to global pandemics.
Examination of U.S. trade policies.
Impact of technology on U.S. governance.

Government Research Paper Topics

Government is a broad field that includes many different subdomains and politics topics to discuss. It revolves around the structures, processes, and functions of governing bodies, allowing you to explore the inner workings of various political systems. Here are some useful ideas on government:

Evaluating the meritocracy in civil services.
Digitization of public services: Impact and challenges.
Understanding state surveillance: Balancing security and privacy.
Impact of decentralization on local development.
Government's role in disaster management.
Analyzing the government's role in fostering innovation.
Study on government initiatives for financial inclusion.
Role of government in mitigating income inequality.
Government strategies in promoting renewable energy.
Analysis of government responses to recessions.
Public-private partnerships in infrastructure development.
Government regulation of the gig economy.
Role of government in promoting cultural heritage.
Public sector reforms for better governance.
Government interventions in housing markets.
Assessing government transparency initiatives.
Government's role in universal health care provision.
The impact of political term limits on governance.
Government initiatives in curbing the opioid crisis.
The role of governments in combating online misinformation.

Political Science Research Questions

Research questions provide a clear direction to your studies, defining what you want to achieve. Here are some unique research questions for political science that span a wide array of sub-areas:

How does social media shape public opinion on climate change policy?
How can local governments boost civic engagement?
How does income inequality impact political participation?
How do trade policies affect domestic industries?
How do immigration laws influence national identity?
How does political advertising affect voter turnout?
How does corruption impact public trust in government?
How does gender representation in government influence policy decisions?
What role does education play in political awareness?
How does political satire influence public perception of politicians?
How have government responses to pandemics evolved over time?
How does foreign aid impact the donor-recipient relationship?
How can governments leverage technology to improve public services?
How does cybersecurity impact national defense strategies?
How do international treaties impact national sovereignty?
How do political ideologies shape foreign policy?
How can governments promote sustainable urban development?
What is the role of youth in shaping future politics?
How does political stability affect economic growth?
How does political rhetoric shape public perception of immigration?

Extra Political Science Topics for Research Papers

Although the topics for political science research papers given above should help you kickstart your project, here are a few extra ideas to make sure you write an excellent project:

Green parties' influence on environmental sustainability.
Significance of political graffiti in social movements.
Virtual reality's potential in public engagement.
Role of cognitive psychology in voter behavior.
Understanding biopolitics: control and manipulation.
Space law's implications for international cooperation.
Implications of Internet of Things (IoT) for national security.
Analysis of language used in peace treaties.
Incorporating indigenous governance in modern state systems.
Decoding humor in political satire.
Political underpinnings in fantasy literature.
Political landscapes in virtual communities.
The politics of cryptocurrency regulation.
Using machine learning to predict election outcomes.
Role of street art in political protests.
Exploring the politics of veganism.
Political dimensions of genetic engineering ethics.
Pop culture's influence on political consciousness.
Influence of climate fiction ("cli-fi") on environmental policy.
Geopolitical consequences of the commercialization of space.

Bottom Line on Political Science Topics

We did our best to provide you with an assortment of good topics for political science research paper in every subdomain. Whether you're interested in philosophy, public law, international affairs, or something else entirely – this collection should have it all. We hope that at least one of these themes motivates you to do your best work yet! Remember that you can buy coursework or any other academic paper from certified writers with solid experience.

Don't worry! Our team of qualified professionals is ready to offer research paper help , ensuring you submit quality work in no time. So why stress over extensive research and drafting when you can get expert assistance at your fingertips? Contact us now to get expert assistance.

Joe Eckel is an expert on Dissertations writing. He makes sure that each student gets precious insights on composing A-grade academic writing.

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

Undergraduate
Honors Thesis

Award Winning Theses

The following theses are recent examples of outstanding work:.

Avery Goods: "An Inconvenient Group: The Effect of Motivated Messages on Climate Change Attitudes and Behaviors of Skeptic Audiences" 2019 Janda Prize Winner for Best Honors Thesis
Joshua Varcie: "The Artificial Incumbency Advantage: How Bipartisan Redistricting Schemes Protect Incumbents" 2019 Janda Prize Honorable Mention for Distinguished Honors Thesis
Benjamin Alan Weinberg: " Ballot Challenge: Explaining Voting Rights Restrictions in 21st-Century America" 2018 Janda Prize Winner for Best Honors Thesis
Logan Scott Peretz: "How Hillary May Have Lost the White House: The Electoral Effects of Presidential Campaign Visits in 2016" 2018 Janda Prize Honorable Mention for Distinguished Honors Thesis
Aaron Gordon: "An Empirical Appraisal of the Liberty of Contract" 2017 Janda Prize Winner for Best Honors Thesis
Hayley Hopkins: "Restrict the Vote: Disenfranchisement as a Political Strategy" 2017 Janda Prize Winner for Best Honors Thesis
Matthew Gates: "Ideological Basis for the Gay Rights Movement" 2017 Janda Prize Honorable Mention for Distinguished Honors Thesis
Elena Barham: "Passing the Buck: World Bank Anti-Corruption Reform and the Politics of Implementation" 2016 Janda Prize Winner for Best Honors Thesis
Remy Smith: "Inherently Unequal: The Effects of Equal Representation on Senate Policy Outcomes" 2016 Janda Prize Honorable Mention for Distinguished Honors Thesis
Laura Rozier: "The Media, the Innocent, and the Public: A Nuanced Look at Exonerations and Public Opinion of the Death Penalty" 2015 Janda Prize Winner for Best Honors Thesis
Kaitlyn Chriswell: “Cross-cutting cleavages: Euskadi Ta Askatasuna, Terra Lliure, and the centrality of networks” , 2014 Janda Prize Winner for Best Honors Thesis
Jordan Fein: "Searching for Health Care Reform: Studying Media Coverage and Framing Public Opinion of the 2009-2010 Health Care Debate" , 2011 Janda Prize Winner for Best Honors Thesis
Dylan Lewis: “Unpaid Protectors: Volunteerism and the Diminishing Role of Federal Responsibility in the National Park Service” , 2011 Janda Prize Honorable Mention for Distinguished Honors Thesis
Benjamin Zhu: “Resource Distribution in Post‐PRI Mexico: De‐Politicized or Re‐Politicized?” , 2011 Senior Marshall for Distinguished Honors Thesis
Ben Armstrong: “Ne Touche Pas Ma Constitution: Pressures and Presidential Term Limits” , 2011 Barry Farrell Prize for Academic Achievement
Jeffrey Paller: “Where are the people? The Relationship between Government and Civil Society in South Africa” , 2006 Janda Prize Co-Winner for Best Honors Thesis
Samir Mayekar: “The Piquetero Effect: Examining the Argentine Government’s Response to the Piquetero Movement” , 2006 Janda Prize Co-Winner for Best Honors Thesis

Janda PRIZE for DISTINGUISHED Honors Thesis REcipients

The Kenneth F. Janda Prize for Distinguished Honors Thesis in Political Science is awarded annually for the best undergraduate Honors thesis of the year.

Student name	Year
Kelly Miller	2022
Andrew Myers (Honorable Mention)	2022
Julian Freiberg	2021
Akash Palani	2021
Thomas Abers Lourenço (Honorable Mention)	2021
Hayden Richardson (Honorable Mention)	2021
Natalie Sands	2020
Jonathan Goldberg (Honorable Mention)	2020
Avery Goods	2019
Joshua Varcie (Honorable Mention)	2019
Benjamin Weinberg	2018
Logan Peretz (Honorable Mention)	2018
Aaron Gordon	2017
Hayley Hopkins	2017
Matthew Gates (Honorable Mention)	2017
Elena Frances Barham	2016
Remy Smith	2016
Laura Rozier	2015
Alexander Fredendall (Honorable Mention)	2015
Kaitlyn Chriswell	2014
Katie Singh	2013
Niabi Schmaltz	2013
Alex Samuel Grubman	2012
Lilly Yang Liu	2012
Jordan Fein	2011
Dylan Lewis (Honorable Mention)	2011
Harold Wiliford	2010
Caitlyn Carpenter (Honorable Mention)	2010
Kelly Bronk	2009
David Felton (Honorable Mention)	2009
Kristi St. Charles	2008
Alexander Hertel-Fernandez (Honorable Mention)	2008
Derek Linkous (Honorable Mention)	2008
Emily Luken	2007
Samir S. Mayekar	2006
Jeffrey W. Paller	2006
Sarah S. Bush	2005
Meeggan I. Maczek (Honorable Mention)	2005
Jennie A. Taylor	2004
Miriam Lieberman (Honorable Mention)	2004
Julie Skaff	2003
Nicole Sadler (Honorable Mention)	2003
John J. Luyat	2002
Molly Newcomb (Honorable Mention)	2002
Brett Theodos (Honorable Mention)	2002

CEU PU - Deutsch
Közép-európai Egyetem
Theses & Dissertations
PhD Dissertations

Departmental Seminar
Research Centers and Research Groups
Research Projects
Best MA Thesis Award
External Partnerships
CEU Partnerships
For Visiting Scholars
Annual Doctoral Conference
Past Conferences, Workshops
Measures and Resources for Online Research

See also MA theses submitted to the department and on the website of the Doctoral School of Political Science, Public Policy and International Relations

Pathways to Stringent Carbon Pricing: Configurations of Political Economy Conditions and Revenue Recycling Strategies

by Daniel Muth

Defense Committee:

Florian Weiler (supervisor, CEU) Evelyne Hübscher (CEU) Paula Mónica Castro Pareja (external voting member, Zurich University of Applied Sciences) Carsten Schneider (chair, CEU)

Date of the Defense: March 14, 2024

The Value of Personal Autonomy

by Perica Jovchevski

Defense Committee:

Andres Moles (supervisor, CEU) Janos Kis (CEU) John Christman (external member, Pennsylvania State University) Zoltan Miklosi (chair, CEU)

Date of the Defense: November 14, 2023

Politics and Political Economy of Elite Defections: Exploring the Sources and Effects of Elite Defections in Autocracies

by Azad Garibov

Defense Committee:

Inna Melnykovska (supervisor, CEU) Laszlo Bruszt (CEU) Kristin Makszin (external member, Leiden University) Alexander Astrov (chair, CEU)

D ate of the Defense: September, 2023

Re-Conceptualizing A Global Challenger: Russia In The International System

by Jacqueline Dufalla

Defense Committee :

Alexander Astrov (supervisor) Michael Merlingen (CEU) Petr Kratochvil (external member, Institute of International Relations, Prague) Thomas Fetzer (chair, CEU)

Date of the Defense: September 7, 2023

The Sovereignty Conundrum: Between Territory and Authority in Contemporary Global Politics

by Andras Radnoti

Defense Committee:

Janos Kis (supervisor, CEU) Zoltan Miklosi (CEU) Peter Wilson (external member, LSE) Alex Astrov (chair, CEU)

Date of the Defense: September 5, 2023

The Political Economy of Transfers, Public Opinion and Policy Preferences

by Krisztina Szabó Defense Committee:

Caitlin Brown (supervisor, University of Manchester) Cristina Corduneanu-Huci (CEU) Damien Bol (external member, King's College) Michael Dorsch (chair, CEU)

D ate of the Defense: May 30, 2023

Beyond The Rent-seeking: The Political Economy of the European Agricultural Policy (Non)Reform in the Twenty-First Century

By Ardi Priks

Michael Merlingen (chair, CEU)

Date of the Defense: May 24, 2023

Democracy under threat: Understanding mass appeal for undemocratic parties and practices

By Nemanja Stankov

Levente Littvay (supervisor, CEU) Robert Sata (CEU) Bojan Todosijevic (external member, Institute of Social Sciences, Belgrade) Erin K. Jenne (chair, CEU)

Date of the Defense: May 3, 2023

Patterns of Corruption - A Study of Sub-National Units in Romania

By Andrei Cosmin Macsut

Zsolt Enyedi (supervisor, CEU) Cristina Corduneanu-Huci (CEU) Clara Volintiru (external member, Bucharest University of Economic Studies ) Erin Jenne (chair, CEU)

Date of the Defense: April 19, 2023

The Receptiveness of Political Parties towards Women: Understanding the Impact of Candidate Selection Procedures

By Burtejin Zorigt

Gabor Toka (supervisor, CEU) – voting member Eva Fodor (CEU) – voting member Ekaterina Rashkova-Gerbrands (external member, Utrecht University) – voting member Eszter Kovats (chair, Democracy Institute) – non-voting member

Date of the Defense: March 8, 2023

Far-Right Demobilisation: Patterns and processes from demonstration campaigns in Germany, England, and Austria

By Michael C. Zeller

András Bozóki (supervisor, CEU) – voting member Carsten Schneider (CEU) – voting member Swen Hutter (external member, Freie Universität Berlin and Center for Civil Society Research WZB Berlin Social Science Center) – voting member Dorit Geva (chair, CEU) – non-voting member

Date of the Defense: February 24, 2023

Post-Neoliberalism and the Politics of Capital Mobility

By Pedro Perfeito Da Silva

Evelyne Huebscher (supervisor, CEU) – voting member Cristina Corduneanu-Huci (CEU) – voting member Cornel Ban (external member, Copenhagen Business School) – voting member Anil Duman (chair) – non-voting member

Date of the Defense: February 17, 2023

Your Assembly is Abolished: Civil-Military Relations and Public Policies in Putin's Russia

By Kirill Shamiev

Christopher LaRoche (supervisor, CEU) Cristina Corduneanu-Huci (CEU) Risa Brooks (external member, Marquette University) Carsten Schneider (chair)

Date of the Defense: January 13, 2023

See also theses submitted to the department in 2022 , 2021 , 2020 , 2019 , 2018 , 2017, 2016 , 2015 , 2014 , 2013 , 2012 , 2011 , 2010 , 2009 , 2008 , 2007 , 2006 , 2005 , 2004 , 2003 , 2002 , 2001

UKnowledge > College of Arts & Sciences > Political Science > Theses & Dissertations

Theses and Dissertations--Political Science

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Ruling in the Shadows: Analysis of the Supreme Court’s Use of the ‘Shadow Docket’ and its Effects , EmiLee Smart

Public Justice: Analyzing the Interactions of Supreme Court Justices with the American Public , Abbie Wood

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Welcome Visitor or Nosy Neighbor: Executive Branch Presence in Federal and State Judicial Affairs , Audrey Baricovich

The Spread of Nuclear Technology: The Difficulty of Arms Control and the Consequences of Nuclear Proliferation , Bryce Allen Beschorner

Home Is Where the Heart Is: Rural Residents, Deprivation, and the Impact of PRD on Governmental Representation , Mary Rachael Blandau

Citizen Demand for Cultural Censorship: A Mixed Methods Study , Kelly Grenier

Damsels in Defense: Exploring the Relationship Between Women and Violence Against Civilians During Armed Conflict , Baylee Harrell

Circumvention Theory: Rethinking Gray Zones, Understanding Bounded Competition, and Examining State Response to Unipolar Structure in the Twenty-First Century. , Damian M. Jones

COALITION OF THE ENDING: WHY STATES WITHDRAW FROM INTERNATIONAL MILITARY COALITIONS , Weiss Mehrabi

The UN-Intended Effects of Risky Mandates , Robert Wood

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

NEWS TREATMENT OF THE SUPREME COURT: LANGUAGE SELECTION, IDEOLOGICAL DIRECTIONS, AND PUBLIC SUPPORT , Alexander Denison

STAYING COMPLIANT OR STAYING IN OFFICE? INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, POST-COUP SIGNALS, AND COUP-BORN REGIMES , Jennifer Flinchum

THE INFLUENCE OF THE FEDERALIST SOCIETY ON JUDICAL POLITICS AND LAW IN THE UNITED STATES , Peter S. K. Lynch

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

The Transnational Diffusion of Human Trafficking Policy , Glenn M. Harden

THE POLITICAL CONSEQUENCES OF STATE ACTION ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: HOW VICTIMS AND NON-VICTIMS FORM OPINIONS ABOUT GOVERNMENT , Helen Rabello Kras

International Cooperation Networks and Economic Sanction Effectiveness , Gargi Vyas

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Piecing Together Coalition War: Threat, Politics, and Coalition Structure , Stephen Joiner

BETTER DEVILS OF OUR NATURE: THE ROLE OF VIOLENCE-JUSTIFYING IDEOLOGIES IN OPINION FORMATION , Steven Kaiser

FROM HOBBES TO HABERMAS: THE ANTI-CULTURAL TURN IN WESTERN POLITICAL THOUGHT , Ralph Gert Schoellhammer

Predicting Positive Attitudes toward Immigrants with Altruism , Kati Elizabeth Stafford

Judicial Elections, Public Opinion, and their Impact on State Criminal Justice Policy , Travis N. Taylor

Why Weak States Balance: National Mobilization and the Security Strategies of Post-Soviet States , Eteri Tsintsadze-Maass

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

SEEDS OF SUSPICION: THE PERPETUAL CYCLE OF ANTI-MUSLIM STEREOTYPES, MIDDLE EAST INTERVENTION, AND TERRORISM , Christopher Ledford

PERCEPTIONS OF FAIRNESS AND POLITICAL SUPPORT IN THE FACE OF ECONOMIC INEQUALITY , Gregory W. Saxton

THE EFFECT OF STATES OF EMERGENCY ON GUBERNATORIAL APPROVAL RATINGS , Meghan Steinbeiss

Advanced Search

Notify me via email or RSS

Browse by Author

Collections
Disciplines

Author Corner

Submit Research

New Title Here

Below. --> connect.

Law Library
Special Collections
Copyright Resource Center
Graduate School
Scholars@UK

We’d like your feedback

Home | About | FAQ | My Account | Accessibility Statement

Privacy Copyright

University of Kentucky ®

An Equal Opportunity University Accreditation Directory Email Privacy Policy Accessibility Disclosures

Edinburgh Research Archive

ERA Home
Social and Political Sciences, School of

Politics thesis and dissertation collection

By Issue Date Authors Titles Subjects Publication Type Sponsor Supervisors

Search within this Collection:

This material is presented to ensure timely dissemination of scholarly and technical work. Copyright and all rights therein are retained by authors or by other copyright holders. All persons copying this information are expected to adhere to the terms and constraints invoked by each author's copyright. In most cases, these works may not be reposted without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.

Recent Submissions

Commons as deliberative systems: designing institutions for the common good , pluriversal reconciliation: democratic theories, political violence and onto-epistemic dialogue , politics of media circulation: tracing the distribution of digital photographs of and from kashmir , stop the killer robots war humanisers future-proofing the war machine , sex, gender and constitutional attitudes: voting behaviour in the scottish independence referendum , ideas in international trade: the role of programmatic beliefs in the eu and china's approaches to the wto dsm , young farmers regeneration policy in indonesia: a capability approach , 'aquí se ve la fuerza del sme': a political economy analysis of the mexican electrical workers union's path towards self-management , dethroning the sovereign individual: a confucian reconstruction of the theory of right holding , rentier state revisited: the politics of sovereign wealth funds in saudi arabia , knowing better, doing better international development ngos, faith and wellbeing , freedom in and out of work: platforms, precarity, and the democratization of work , personality and us presidential choices: a study of the protracted afghanistan war , reproduction of ignorance in normative political theory: an intersectional methodological critique , speculative leadership: using a radical hegel to reinterpret practice in local government , politics of budget decision-making in south africa , typology of statelessness , lithium overdose: market practices and symptomatology of lithium trade in latin america , taking a ‘leap of faith’ to migrate: exploring uk approaches to anti-human trafficking , inclusion de-moderation hypothesis: egyptian secularists in democratization .

University of Houston

Jul 02, 2024

2024-2025 Graduate Catalog (Catalog goes into effect at the start of the Fall 2024 semester)

2024-2025 Graduate Catalog (Catalog goes into effect at the start of the Fall 2024 semester)
|

College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences > Department of Political Science > Political Science, PhD

The graduate program of the Department of Political Science provides advanced training in the discipline of political science to students whose career goals include college teaching and advanced research.

The department is organized into six major subfields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, quantitative methods, and public policy. Students take comprehensive exams in a major and minor subfield of their choice.

Recent graduates of the PhD program have obtained teaching positions at colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the college graduate admission requirements, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements for unconditional admission to the Ph.D. in Political Science program:

Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution by the date of enrollment with at least a 3.00 grade point average (A = 4.00) in the most recent 60 hours of undergraduate course work and at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average for any graduate level courses.
International applicants have further documentation requirements, including proof of English language proficiency, which are described on the International Graduate Students website.
Applicants should prepare a one-to two-page statement of purpose.
Secure three letters of recommendation from professors directly familiar with the student’s work.
Application fee ($65 domestic applicants/$140 international applicants).

Political Science students are generally admitted only in the Fall semester. However, Spring admissions are decided on a space available basis.

Degree Requirements

Credit hours required for this degree: 57.0

A minimum of 45 hours of course work is required for a political science PhD, plus at least 12 hours of dissertation credit. Students must successfully complete oral and written comprehensive examinations.

Comprehensive examinations are normally given after two and a half years of coursework, or the equivalent in terms of credit hours for part-time students. Upon successfully completing exams, students are expected to be continuously enrolled in dissertation hours until the degree is completed. Students who are not on teaching fellowships may enroll for as little as 3 dissertation hours per semester (this includes the summer), but note that a student must enroll for a minimum of 12 dissertation hours prior to completion of the degree. Following the completion of a dissertation, students must participate in an oral dissertation defense. Students who enroll as doctoral candidates must complete their degree requirements within 10 years of the date of first enrollment with a doctoral degree objective. Failure to comply will result in the candidate being ineligible for the doctoral degree. Doctoral students who fail to complete the dissertation within 5 years after passing the comprehensive examination must retake the examination.

Core Courses

12.0 Credit Hours

All students intending to obtain a PhD must take the three required core courses in their first two years in the program, or, in the case of part-time students, as soon as practically possible. Students who are admitted to the PhD program with financial support must enroll in the department’s core courses during their first year in the program.

POLS 6380 - Quantitative Methods I Credit Hours: 3
POLS 6381 - Quantitative Methods II Credit Hours: 3
POLS 6382 - Quantitative Methods III: Maximum Likelihood Estimation Credit Hours: 3

The core curriculum is designed to provide beginning PhD students with a broad overview of important topics in Political Science. For the beginning student, the core should provide the necessary background to select areas for further concentrated study. The methodological component of the core (POLS 6480 and POLS 6481) is designed to provide the student with the appropriate statistical foundation to become an informed consumer of Political Science research and to set the stage for the student to perform research of his/her own.

Degree Plan

During the last term of core course work students should develop a degree plan in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies and the student’s academic adviser. Students must select two areas of study in Political Science in which to concentrate. One of the chosen areas is designated a student’s major area, and a minimum of twelve credit hours (four courses) is required in this area. In the minor area of study, nine credit hours (three courses) are required as a minimum. Students will also have six hours (two courses) in elective courses which can be taken in any area chosen.

It is required that students with a major or minor in American Politics take at least one course from each of the following two subsets:

Elections, Public Opinion, Psychology and Politics
Legislative Process, The Presidency, Political Parties

Tools Requirement

The tools requirement exists for the purpose of assuring competence in the methods necessary for effective scholarship in the student’s chosen specialty. Each student must complete two relevant research courses (6 hours) beyond POLS 6480 and POLS 6481. Choice of possible tool offerings should in all cases should be guided by the question of appropriateness for the student’s academic interest. Students should consult with their advisor about the most appropriate courses for them. In all cases, the student’s choice of tool requirements must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.

Among the possible course offerings that may satisfy the requirement area:

A. Political methodology courses:

POLS 6480 - Quantitative Methods I Credit Hours: 4
POLS 6482 - Quantitative Methods III: Maximum Likelihood Estimation Credit Hours: 4

Plus one additional course (for instance,

POLS 6384 - Survey Research Methods Credit Hours: 3 ,
POLS 6385 - Time Series Methods Credit Hours: 3 , or
POLS 6386 - Measurement Theory for Political Science Credit Hours: 3

B. Computer Applications at a more advanced level than POLS 6480 and POLS 6481.

C. foreign language (in rare instances)., d. other research methods specifically relevant to the dissertation research of the student., degree path.

In most cases, the American politics core course and the first two courses in the methods sequence should be completed in the student’s first year. Progress toward degree will normally take a path similar to the following:

Year One:	Year Two:	Year Three:
1. Research Design (POLS 6302)	7. Tools (1)	13. Major (4)
2. Methods (POLS 6480)	8. Major (2)	14. Elective (2)
3. Elective (1)	9. Minor (2)	15. Prospectus seminar
4. Methods (POLS 6481)	10. Tools (2)
5. Major (1)	11. Major (3)
6. Minor (1)	12. Minor (3)

Academic Policies

University of Houston Academic Policies
Academic Policies: College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Students must also successfully complete oral and written comprehensive exams. Upon successfully completing comprehensive exams, students are expected to be continuously enrolled in dissertation hours (a minimum of 12 dissertation hours must be completed prior to the completion of the degree). Upon completion of the dissertation, the student will participate in an oral dissertation defense.

SATISFACTORY PROGRESS TOWARD THE DEGREE

Every spring term the department’s faculty meets to review the progress of all students in the department’s PhD program. This review will usually involve consultation with all faculty members who have taught the student during the previous two semesters. The Director of Graduate Studies will refer to the Graduate Committee for review any students who do not seem to be making adequate progress toward the PhD degree.

Students are expected to meet the following minimum standards:

maintain a 3.0 grade point average,
receive one A or A- for every three courses completed, and
carry on their transcripts no more than two incompletes at any one time (except in cases of medical emergency, which must be documented to the satisfaction of the Director of Graduate Studies).

Students who have not met these minimal requirements will be deemed not to have made satisfactory progress. After having registered for 18 hours or more of course credit, students who have not made satisfactory progress will be counseled by the graduate committee and given the opportunity to explain what steps they will take to improve their performance in the future. Such students will be advised that they are in jeopardy of losing financial support or being expelled from the political science PhD program. A letter to that effect will be entered into each student’s file. These students will be given a probationary term to improve their grades and/or to remove incompletes from their records.

Students who have any incompletes or have not achieved grades of A or A- for one third of their graduate credit hours will not be permitted to take doctoral comprehensive exams. Full-time students will normally take their exams after their third year. Part-time students must complete a minimum of 48 hours of course credit before taking comprehensive exams.

Independent of the “progress review”, the Director of Graduate Studies is responsible each term for monitoring whether students are making satisfactory progress toward their degrees, discussing the situation with the student, and reporting and making recommendations to the Graduate Committee regarding any student failing to make satisfactory progress.

Students in the Political Science Graduate Program who are not doing satisfactory work may be advised to pursue the MA degree only and not go on for the PhD Depending on how many courses they have completed at the point such advice is given, these students may choose either the Plan I MA (which requires a thesis) or a Plan II MA (which requires more course work and a bibliographic essay). Students who are not doing satisfactory work will receive a letter from the department notifying them of this. Any student who fails to make satisfactory progress may be suspended from the Graduate Program by the Director of Graduate Studies. A student may appeal a suspension to the Graduate Committee.

Template undergraduate research proposals
Finding dissertation proposal samples

sema academy

Top 30 dissertation topics in political science - choose the best one.

A dissertation is a comprehensive piece of work that will often be completed by students studying at a high level, such as a university degree. When studying a subject such as political science, the chances of you being required to write such an essay are fairly high.

In order to complete the work, you will first need to think of good topic to write about. It may be that you are interested in local politics, or you may wish to write about national politics. Either way, to get you started there is a list of 30 possible dissertation titles ideas outlined below.

How are election polls counted?
Does true democracy exist in the United States?
How is game theory used in making political decisions?
How has the United States changed its foreign policy since 9/11?
The history of the Republican Party in the United States
The history of the Democratic Party in the United States
How does the EU create legislation?
An analysis of how George W. Bush won his first election
An analysis of female representation in global politics
How influential are global environmental regulations?
An examination of the political process that lead to the War in Iraq in the 21st century
A comparison of political corruption in countries around the world
An in depth study of spatial modelling
A comparison of qualitative and quanlative research methods
A study of Christian political thought
Liberalism vs Conservatism
What influence do local political issues have on determining central government policies?
How intertwined are religion and politics in the United States?
What is the science behind a successful political campaign?
Should political parties receive state funding for political campaigns?
How relevant is the United States Constitution in the 21st century?
How is the ethnic make-up of the United States political landscape changing in the 21st century?
A comparison of the democratic process in the US with that of the UK
A study of veto powers in major governments and political organisations
An analysis of different democratic models
A study of political psychology
How big is the gender gap in United States political life?
An examination of a Totalitarianism regime
The pros and cons of Marxism
What is deterrence theory?

Looking for help with your thesis? Order custom thesis from this thesis writing service - professional thesis writers, editors and proofreaders.

Writing Ideas

Dissertation titles on Tourism
Composing an abstract of a dissertation
Writing a dissertation proposal
Topics for a dissertation on Physiotherapy
Undergraduate dissertation schemes
Finding template dissertations
Differing research projects and dissertations
Master's dissertation writing hints
Composing a dissertation on Science
Research methods in a Cultural Studies thesis
Oral defense of a dissertation
Law thesis writing hints
Business Management: proposal writing
Creating thesis methods effectively

Writing help

Get professional online thesis help from experienced thesis writing service.

Criminal Law Assignment Help
Taxation Law Assignment Help
Business Law Assignment Help
Contract Law Assignment Help
Civil Law Assignment Help
Land Law Assignment Help
Tort Law Assignment Help
Company Law Assignment Help
Employment Law Assignment Help
Environmental Law Assignment Help
Commercial Law Assignment Help
Criminology Assignment Help
Corporate Governance Law Assignment Help
Constitutional Law Assignment Help
Operations Assignment Help
HRM Assignment Help
Marketing Management Assignment Help
4 Ps Of Marketing Assignment Help
Strategic Marketing Assignment Help
Project Management Assignment Help
Strategic Management Assignment Help
Risk Management Assignment Help
Organisational Behaviour Assignment Help
Business Development Assignment Help
Change Management Assignment Help
Consumer Behavior Assignment Help
Operations Management Assignment Help
Public Relations Assignment Help
Supply Chain Management Assignment Help
Conflict Management Assignment Help
Environmental Assignment Help
Public Policy Assignment Help
Childcare Assignment Help
Business Report Writing Help
Pricing Strategy Assignment Help
Corporate Strategy Assignment Help
Managerial Accounting Assignment Help
Capital Budgeting Assignment Help
Accounting Assignment Help
Cost Accounting Assignment Help
Financial Accounting Assignment Help
Corporate Finance Assignment Help
Behavioural Finance Assignment Help
Financial Ethics Assignment Help
Financial Management Assignment Help
Financial Reporting Assignment Help
Forensic Accounting Assignment Help
International Finance Assignment Help
Cost-Benefit Analysis Assignment Help
Financial Engineering Assignment Help
Financial Markets Assignment Help
Private Equity and Venture Capital Assignment Help
Psychology Assignment Help
Sociology Assignment Help
English Assignment Help
Political Science Assignment Help
Arts Assignment Help
Civil Engineering Assignment Help
Computer Science And Engineering Assignment Help
Economics Assignment Help
Climate Change Economics Assignment Help
Java Assignment Help
MATLAB Assignment Help
Database Assignment Help
PHP Assignment Help
UML Diagram Assignment Help
Web Designing Assignment Help
Networking Assignment Help
Chemistry Assignment Help
Biology Assignment Help
Nursing Assignment Help
Biotechnology Assignment Help
Mathematics Assignment Help
Assignment Assistance
Assignment Help Online
Cheap Assignment Help
Assignment Paper Help
Solve My Assignment
Do My Assignment
Get Assignment Help
Urgent Assignment Help
Write My Assignment
Assignment Provider
Quality Assignment Help
Make My Assignment
Online Assignment Writers
Paid Assignment Help
Top Assignment Help
Writing Assignment For University
Buy Assignment Online
All Assignment Help
Academic Assignment Help
Assignment Help Tutors
Student Assignment Help
Custom Assignment Writing Service
English Essay Help
Law Essay Help
Management Essay Help
MBA Essay Help
History Essay Help
Literature Essay Help
Online Essay Help
Plagiarism Free Essay
Write My Essay
Admission Essay Help
TOK Essay Help
Best Essay Writing Service
Essay Assignment Help
Essay Writers Online
Professional Essay Writers
Academic Writing
Homework Help
Dissertation Help
University Assignment Help
College Assignment Help
Research Paper Writing Help
Case Study Help
Coursework Help
Thesis Help
PowerPoint Presentation Service
Job Openings

Introduction

When we attend the assignment homework for this subject, then we find that the curriculum primarily focuses on the theories and practices of the government and politics. These policies, theories and practices are discussed, debated, and analysed at the local, state, national as well as at the international levels. Our assignment writing services are dedicated to the development of the understandings of institutions, relations and practices that constitute the public life as well as the modes of inquiry endorsing the culture of citizenship.

Political Science Dissertation Topics - ThoughtfulMinds

Our efforts are solely focused on helping students to wisely bifurcate their allotted time within the deadline. Our goal is to help the students to opt for a smarter approach while dealing with their constant assignment needs. The list of political science dissertation topics is an initiative by our researchers to help students save their invaluable time and energy by switching directly to the recommended topic. The students of political science can prudently utilize the time and expend the same to intense research, eloquent writing, crisp editing, and adequate proofreading.

What are the Do’s and Don’ts to Consider While Preparing Political Papers?

Some of the important things that we are required to keep in mind while preparing any political science dissertation or research paper –

It is essential to ensure that in case there is an opposite opinion or counter argument then it ought to be incorporated prior to the conclusion part.
Backup the given fact with concrete academic sources
Always prefer to integrate the data and statistics to support the given ideas
Research related literature and identical projects
Adhere to a single idea: One paragraph rule

Things that we should eschew while preparing a political science dissertation or research paper –

While addressing sensitive subjects, it is recommended not to use harsh tone.
Unless working with a personal reflection, shun the portrayal of merely a single side of an issue.
It is imperative to stay neutral while talking about the political parties. By that means, it will make our paper to appear unbiased with the depiction of both benefits and flaws simultaneously.
It is advisable not to use extensive quoting until and unless utterly necessary.
Shun the usage of colloquial language along with the slang term elements.

We fully hope that the tips discussed above would play a decisive role in penning down your next assignment online. Our online assignment help is accessible 24×7 to attend all your assignment related queries in the most courteous and diligent.

Are you struggling to finish your next presentation slides to perfection? Please visit the below link and let experts address your presentation needs to perfection.

Must read: writing process tips for formidable powerpoint presentation planning, top 100 political science dissertation topics for your course assignments.

The following is the list of contemporary political science topics that our researchers would like you to take into consideration for all your present and future dissertation help requirements. Let us delve into the marathon list one topic after the other –

The foreign policies of India and the United States: A comparative study
Presidential v/s parliamentary democracy: A comparative analysis
Elaborate the Anglo-Saxon traits within the US government
Discuss the political ideology of Soviet Union
Elaborate the history of Apartheid phenomenon
The political hierarchy of Chinese Communist Party (CCP)
Discuss the structure of IMF (International Monetary Fund)
The controversies of Amnesty International
The history of human rights in Uganda
Discuss the cause and effect of Syrian conflict
Arctic circle and the power battles of politics
The role of non-state actors in the Japanese corporations
The ethical guidelines for the functioning of the NGOs
The role of Five Eyes in the global security network assessment
What were the causes behind American revolution?
German Philosophy and Karl Schmidt Thesis
Civil Republicanism in comparison to Liberalism
What are the societal risks of Neopatrimonialism?
The Republican traditions of education
Approach of mutual tolerance as political virtue of the modern world
Election ethics in a democratic political system
Political decisions and compromises with environmental management
The constitutional vision of John Rohr
The optimal benefits to the public safety
The non-profit organisations and their ethical duties
Give an argumentative analysis on judicial review
Discuss the human rights act 1998 in the UK
Famous legislators in the legal history of Europe
Criminal law and common morality
Civil liberties v/s the challenges of national security
The commercial exploitation of the privacy law
Distinguish between political and armed conflicts
Implementing the urgent changes in the legislation process
Is pardoning the criminals acceptable?
Federal crimes comparison in American and European Union
Should the religion be approached as a social power?
Federalism traces in the Unitary Government Model
The most successful methods of eliminating corruption from the government system
Social movements during the post-war period
The global interdependence of the modern leaders
Philosophy of Aristotle on governance
The theory of John Austin
The classic theories of Edmund Burke
A critical assessment of The Republic by Plato
The key figures of anarchism in history
Vladimir Lenin and his approach to communism
The viewpoint of Jean Bodin on sovereignty
Disciplinary Power by Foucault
Social networks and the protest movements
The division of Ukraine and the political powers at play
The immigrant crisis in Mexico
Discuss some of the most decisive methods for conflict resolution in Yemen
Iraq War: The legacy of war crimes
The rebellion causes in Central African Republic
The prison conflicts: Black American v/s White American
The foreign policy of the United States in the 21 st century
Elaborate the history of Iran oil conflict
The political leaders and their personal ambitions
Media bias in the political news coverage
American modern whistleblowers
The history of Right Wing and Left Wing parties
Political negotiation methods during the war time crisis
Legal disputes of the governments with transnational governments
Present Afghanistan crisis and the rise of a new wave of terrorism
Human rights crisis in China
Political prisoners in China and organ trafficking in the black market
Police interrogation and the socio-economic preferences
Custody battles and the psychology of gender bias
The impact of technology in the modern political atmosphere
The impact of social media on democracy: Discuss from the view point of both Indian and American electoral process
How COVID-19 pandemic influenced the global geo-political game?
The impact of censorship in the contemporary political atmosphere
Post 9/11 Afghanistan-Pakistan relationship and its influence on world politics
The political interests of the West within the Arab-Israeli conflict
Merits and demerits of democracy in the 21 st century
Comparison between the modern-day dictatorships
How are social reform and conservatism associated to each other?
The gap between competency and ideology of the foreign political powers
The influence of extremism on politics
The weaponisation of poverty by the political organisations
How does the foreign policy of the US influence the countries worldwide?
A critical assessment of the relationship between politics, religion and terrorism
How constant pile-up of the nuclear arsenal by the major powers of the world is resulting in geo-political instability?
Should religion and politics required to be separate? Comment
The acceptance of the LGBTQ and its overall impact on the political favours
The influence of neo-fascism on the Europe of 20 th century
Discuss the impact of the satire comics over social media to successfully propagate political sentiments
Should the world leaders remain active on social media? Comment
The role of media and the accountability of the political leaders to the public
Distinguish between the foreign policies of the United States and the Russian Federation
Federal political structure v/s central political structure: A comparative analysis
Will the investment of China in Iran can change the game in the middle-east? Comment
How the political strategy is made by the parties in a complex democracy like India? Write down a narrative essay
The rights of aboriginals in the Australian political framework
Migrant crisis in Europe and preference of the masses to the right wing politics
Discuss the shift in geopolitical perspective of the Americans from the Trump era to Biden era
How Naxalism is defended by different political fractions of India due to political motives?
US President getting banned on Twitter: Governmental authority v/s Social media regulations
Discuss the migrant refugee crisis in Poland
Searching for lasting peace: The story of Afghanistan in the last four decades

As we have reached the end of the list, it is well expected that our efforts have garnered the mark of appreciation alike all our other recommended lists for other subjects. While preparing the list, special emphasis has been put to make sure that it can help with the political science writing requirements across different assignment formats. These include the title selection requirements related to case study help , essay help , coursework help , term paper help, research paper writing help , thesis help , or PPT help . So, any sort of assignment writing requirements may arise, we can surely help!

Political Science Online Assignment Help

The concept of constitutional law indeed has a deep relationship with the theories of political science. To attend the assignments associated with constitutional law, we advise you to check out the list of the topics helping you finish the assignment homework related to the subject at the below link.

Must read: top 30 constitutional law topics to rely upon for your law dissertations.

Our efforts to offer online homework help in the form of topic recommendation is a movement that we are persistently investing upon. We anticipate that our efforts would help students to land directly onto the research and writing part without expending enormous time and energy on topic selection. If you seriously consider the list prepared by our experts, then it can solve your assignment topic selection requirements across all the forthcoming semesters.

In case you wish to attain a competitive edge in the submitted political science homework with paid assignment help from professional native writers, then it is the time to reach political science assignment help with former academicians with masters or PhD level degrees in political science. You can even directly interact with the assigned writer to clear all your queries and doubts in advance with utmost concern to privacy. We can even help with incomplete assignments as well as eleventh hour assignment orders with all the suggested revisions post submission can be offered for free. All our assignment homework are thoroughly checked with the help of powerful anti-plagiarism software to leave no scope for dispute or piracy claim.

So, what are you still pondering about? Just fill the order form and get a free quote now. Your own political science custom paper is merely a few clicks away!

The Department of Political Science

Phd alumna sabrina axster wins honorable mention for apsa migration & citizenship best dissertation prize.

PhD Alumna Sabrina Axster was awarded Honorable Mention for the 2024 APSA Migration & Citizenship Section Best Dissertation Prize for her dissertation, “Making Migrant Illegality: Vagrancy, Indentured Labor, and the Policing of Mobility in Germany.” Congratulations, Sabrina!

2024-25 Bulletin

Political science, phd, doctoral candidacy.

To earn a PhD at Washington University, a student must complete all courses required by their department; maintain satisfactory academic progress; pass certain examinations; fulfill residence and Mentored Experience Requirements; write, defend, and submit a dissertation; and file an Intent to Graduate. For a general layout of doctoral degree general requirements in Arts & Sciences, including an explanation of Satisfactory Academic Progress, students should review the Doctoral Degree Academic Information page of the Arts & Sciences Bulletin.

Program Requirements

Total Units Required: 48 units ( Note: Remission applies for a maximum of 72 graduate-level units.)
First-year students take four courses per semester. Second and third-year students typically take three courses. After the third year, most students sign up for independent research with their dissertation advisor(s) or with a professor who specializes in an area of particular interest to them. Most students go out on the job market in the fall of their fifth year and complete the dissertation by the summer of that year. The exceptions are students in Comparative Politics. It typically takes them about a year longer to complete their degrees (6 years instead of 5) because they may need to spend time learning a language and/or conducting field work. In almost all instances, we are able to support these students through the sixth year.
Note: Students must be enrolled in 9 graduate credits each semester to retain full-time status. As students complete their course work, if enrolled in fewer than 9 graduate credits, they must enroll in a specific Arts & Sciences graduate course that will show 0 units but does count as full-time status. Students should connect with their department to ensure proper enrollment prior to Add/Drop.
Funding decisions for all graduate students will be based on the first qualifying evaluations for all graduate students. Funding payments are disbursed from August through July, on the last working day of each month. Students are funded for 6 years. Funding is typically not available beyond the sixth year. Students who do not plan to seek academic employment should finish the program in 5 years and not seek funding for the sixth year.

PhD in Political Science

Students in the PhD program are expected to acquire the following:

A broad understanding of several fields of political science as a discipline
Methodological competence sufficient to be productive professionals
Specialized expertise in a particular field of concentration

The procedures and requirements described below are designed to facilitate the achievement of these objectives. In addition to the formal requirements stated here, we provide a list of recommendations that students should follow to succeed in the program. For a detailed year-to-year outline of requirements and recommendations, please refer to the section "Specific Requirements for Each Year in the Program" at the end of the Guide to Graduate Studies , located on the Graduate Program website .

Exceptions to any of these requirements must be approved by the director of graduate studies (DGS) in consultation with the Graduate Committee and, as needed, the respective Field Committee.

General Course Requirements

In general, all students must successfully complete the following core courses with a grade of B or better:

Math Camp (offered during the August before the first semester)
Pol Sci 505 Theories of Individual and Collective Choice I (first semester)
Pol Sci 5052 Mathematical Modeling in Political Science (first semester)
Pol Sci 581 Quantitative Political Methodology I (second semester)
Pol Sci 582 Quantitative Political Methodology II (third semester)
Pol Sci 5024 Causal Inference (fourth semester)
Pol Sci 590 Research Workshop I (fifth semester)

According to the Probation and Dismissal Policy, if a student fails to obtain a B (3.0) in one of the required courses, they will be placed on academic probation and have the opportunity to retake the course the following year. Failure to obtain a B (3.0) after taking the course for the second time will result in dismissal from the program. Furthermore, failure to obtain a B (3.0) in another required course while on probation is considered extreme underperformance and will result in dismissal from the program.

In addition to required courses, students will be taking courses in different fields. Courses are mainly concentrated during the first two years. Students should plan to take four courses (12 units) per semester during their first year and three courses (9 units) per semester during their second year.

The department divides the discipline of political science into six fields:

American politics
Comparative politics
Formal theory
International politics
Political and social theory
Quantitative methods

Before writing the dissertation, students must pass a qualifying evaluation (refer to next section) and fulfill requirements for certification in one major and one minor field. The major and minor field certifications are intended to ensure that students possess broad familiarity with the literature and material in the fields presented.

Field requirements are met by completing the required courses with a grade of B+ or better. A major field requires completing four courses in that field with a grade of B+ or better; a minor field requires completing three courses in that field with a grade of B+ or better.

Students are expected to complete course requirements for the major and minor by the end of their fourth semester. Exceptions can be granted by the DGS on a case-by-case basis but are not possible beyond the student's sixth semester.

Field Requirements

American Politics

Major: Students must satisfactorily complete (with a grade of B+ or better) at least four graduate-level seminars in American politics, including Pol Sci 520 American Political Institutions and Pol Sci 5678 American Political Behavior .
Minor: Students must satisfactorily complete (with a grade of B+ or better) at least three graduate-level seminars in American politics, including Pol Sci 520 American Political Institutions and Pol Sci 5678 American Political Behavior .

Comparative Politics

Major: Students must satisfactorily complete (with a grade of B+ or better) at least four graduate-level seminars in comparative politics, including Pol Sci 510 Approaches to Comparative Politics .
Minor: Students must satisfactorily complete (with a grade of B+ or better) at least three graduate-level seminars in comparative politics, including Pol Sci 510 Approaches to Comparative Politics .

Formal Theory

Major: Students must satisfactorily complete (with a grade of B+ or better) at least four graduate-level seminars in formal theory, including Pol Sci 505 Theories of Individual and Collective Choice I and three other 500-level courses that require Pol Sci 505 Theories of Individual and Collective Choice I as a prerequisite. With permission of the Formal Theory Field Committee, an appropriate 500-level economics course may be substituted.
Minor: Students must satisfactorily complete (with a grade of B+ or better) at least three graduate-level seminars in formal theory, including Pol Sci 505 Theories of Individual and Collective Choice I and two other 500-level courses that require Pol Sci 505 Theories of Individual and Collective Choice I as a prerequisite. With permission of the Formal Theory Field Committee, an appropriate 500-level economics course may be substituted.

International Politics

Major: Students must satisfactorily complete (with a grade of B+ or better) at least four graduate-level seminars in international politics. This requirement includes the 500-level graduate sequence and 500-level political science and economics courses authorized by the International Politics Committee.
Minor: Students must satisfactorily complete (with a grade of B+ or better) at least three graduate-level seminars in international politics. The requirement includes the 500-level graduate sequence and 500-level political science and economics courses authorized by the International Politics Committee.

Political and Social Theory

Major: Students must satisfactorily complete (with a grade of B+ or better) at least four graduate-level courses in political theory; the theory faculty recommends at least two of the History of Political Thought courses ( Pol Sci 5090 History of Political Thought I: Justice, Virtue, and the Soul , Pol Sci 5092 History of Political Thought II: Legitimacy, Equality and the Social Contract , and Pol Sci 5093 History of Political Thought III: Liberty, Democracy, and Revolution ) and at least two seminars in political theory.
Minor: Students must satisfactorily complete (with a grade of B+ or better) at least three graduate-level courses in political theory authorized by the Political Theory Committee.

Quantitative Methods

Major: Students must satisfactorily complete (with a grade of B+ or better) at least four methods courses, including the required sequence ( Pol Sci 581 Quantitative Political Methodology I and Pol Sci 582 Quantitative Political Methodology II ) and additional elective methodology courses authorized by the Quantitative Methods Committee.
Minor: Students must satisfactorily complete (with a grade of B+ or better) at least three methods courses, including the required sequence ( Pol Sci 581 Quantitative Political Methodology I and Pol Sci 582 Quantitative Political Methodology II ) and an additional elective methodology course authorized by the Quantitative Methods Committee.

According to the Probation and Dismissal Policy, if a student fails to meet field requirements as a result of grades or for other reasons by the end of their fourth semester, they will be placed on probation for one semester. Failure to meet the field requirements by the end of that probationary semester results in dismissal from the program.

Qualifying Evaluations

Each student will be evaluated at the end of each semester through their second year. These evaluations will take place at the end of their first and second semesters, the end of their first-year summer, and the end of their third and fourth semesters.

Evaluation criteria for the academic year include the following: regular classroom attendance (at least 90%), participation in departmental intellectual life (e.g., seminars, conferences, professionalization workshops), and grades (a grade of B or higher for all required courses). Grades will be particularly emphasized, and faculty of required courses will use grades as clear communication that students have mastered the course material. Each required course will include a cumulative final exam or another final assignment of a cumulative nature that will assess the student's broad mastery of relevant materials.

At the end of their first-year summer, students must submit (a) evidence of research progress (which can consist of skill development, collaborative research, or individual research output) and (b) feedback from a faculty mentor.

The DGS will distribute a survey to all faculty to collect the necessary feedback regarding student performance and engagement. To remain in good standing, students must (a) be making good progress with respect to their course work and mentored teaching experience assignments; (b) be advancing in terms of their research trajectory, as appropriate for their stage in the program; and (c) be maintaining professional comportment with faculty, peers, and staff.

If a student fails to successfully pass any of these evaluations, they will be placed on academic probation. If the student makes significant progress during the next evaluation period and satisfactorily addresses the terms of the probation, they will be removed from probation and return to good standing. Failing to make significant progress during the next evaluation period may result in dismissal from the program.

Third-Year Paper Requirement

During their second and third years, each student is required to produce a solo-authored research paper. The expectation is that this paper will be in the same field as the student's dissertation and at the level of quality for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

Students need to identify two advisors (i.e., the research paper chair and a second reader) and obtain their signatures on the Research Paper Proposal Form after taking the qualifying exam (i.e., by the end of January of their second year). In consultation with these advisors (i.e., the committee), they need to develop a research design (motivation, theory, design, data sources) by the last day of classes of the spring semester of their second year. By the end of the spring semester, the student needs to schedule a formal defense of the proposal with their committee and, after the defense, submit a form with the advisors' signatures to the departmental administrative assistant responsible for graduate affairs.

The third-year paper is due to the committee by the first day of classes of the third year. The committee will grade these submissions within the first two weeks of the semester. At this point, students will either receive a "revise and resubmit" or a "reject and resubmit" from their committee. A "reject and resubmit" is a judgment by the faculty that the paper does not reflect satisfactory progress toward the research paper. Students receiving this evaluation will be placed on academic probation, and a failure to significantly improve the project will result in dismissal from the program. In extraordinary circumstances, a "conditional accept/high pass" may be granted.

Students will enroll in Research Workshop during their third year. This fall workshop is devoted to helping students revise their papers for final submission.

The final papers are due to the DGS and both readers by the start of the sixth semester. Students are required to defend this paper publicly. The DGS will organize a public presentation for all research papers within the first three weeks of the spring semester.

The Third-Year Committee will evaluate the quality of the research paper and its potential for submission to and acceptance in a peer-reviewed journal. Students who received a "reject and resubmit" during the first round should anticipate stricter scrutiny from faculty at this stage. The paper can be graded as pass or fail. A failing grade in this defense by students who previously received a "reject and resubmit" will result in dismissal from the program. A failing grade without a prior "reject and resubmit" will result in the student being placed on probation until they resubmit and successfully pass the research paper requirement, which must occur before the end of the spring term. Failing to submit the revised paper and earn a passing grade by the end of the spring term will result in dismissal from the program.

In the event of disagreement between the chair and the reader, the DGS will select a third reader in consultation with the faculty in the student's area of study to evaluate the paper and make a decision about the final grade. The research paper chair and the reader(s) will inform the student and the DGS of the final grade, together with an explanation, within two weeks after the defenses have been completed.

Dissertation Committee and Prospectus Requirement

Students are required to form a Dissertation Defense Committee that consists of at least three full-time Washington University faculty members by the start of the fifth semester (January of their third year). The formation of the Dissertation Defense Committee requires selecting a dissertation chair and at least two other faculty members and then submitting the Dissertation Defense Committee Proposal Form. The DGS will assist the student in making sure the composition of the committee meets the requirements of the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences.

Students will enroll in the year-long Research Workshop during their third year. The spring semester of this workshop is devoted to helping students develop their dissertation prospectuses.

Students are required to have defended the dissertation prospectus by the end of the sixth semester (May of their third year). Dissertation prospectus defenses will be announced in advance and will be open to the public. Students who fail to schedule a defense or who fail the defense will be put on probation and may re-defend their prospectus by August 1. Failing to schedule or failing the re-defense results in dismissal from the program.

Students are encouraged to apply for the National Science Foundation Dissertation Improvement Grant and to other outside funding agencies to pursue additional financial support for their dissertation research.

Summary Timeline

(Please refer to "Specific Expectations for Each Year in Program" in the Guide to Graduate Studies on the Graduate Program website for more details.)

End of second semester: Evaluation of class performance and meeting with the DGS
End of third semester: Required courses (with the exception of the Research Workshop) completed
Beginning of fourth semester (January): Submit Third-Year Paper Form (seeking chair and reader)
End of fourth semester: Major and minor field requirements completed; defend research paper prospectus to chair and second reader
Before the start of fifth semester (August): Submit third-year paper
Beginning of sixth semester (January): Resubmit and defend third-year paper; submit Dissertation Committee Proposal Form
End of eighth semester: Defend Dissertation Prospectus (resubmitted prospectus must be defended before the start of the seventh semester)

Dissertation and Defense

The requirements for the completion of the dissertation are described in the general degree requirements by the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences, which are applicable to all Washington University doctoral candidates .

Students need to graduate by May of their sixth year. Failure to do so results in the student being placed on probation. The student then has a chance to finish their dissertation by August of that same year. Otherwise, they will be dismissed from the program.

Foreign Language Requirement

There is no uniform foreign language requirement set by the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences, or by the department. The extent and substance of foreign language competence required will be determined by the Graduate Committee in consultation with the student and their advisor.

Mentored Teaching Experience Responsibilities

Mentored Teaching Experiences (MTEs) are curricular in nature and require that students collaborate with a faculty member.

Mentored teaching responsibilities vary from course to course but, in all cases, consist of attending class and grading papers and assignments. Examples of other responsibilities include running discussion sections or reviews, disseminating course materials, and holding office hours.

Graduate students are expected to participate in the MTE for an average of 13.5 hours per week. During some weeks, the MTE will involve considerably fewer hours; during other weeks (usually around midterms and finals), it will involve considerably more hours.

Faculty are expected to set expectations for grading at the beginning of each semester, and graduate students should plan accordingly for weeks of heavier grading or other responsibilities.

According to the Probation and Dismissal Policy, poor performance in the fulfillment of mentored teaching responsibilities will result in the student being placed on probation. Lack of improvement while on probation will result in dismissal from the program.

Mentored Experience Requirement

All students need to meet the mentored experience requirement of the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences, by the time they graduate. This requirement includes the following:

Participating in departmental intellectual life, which includes but is not limited to meeting with outside speakers, attending talks and in-house conferences, presenting their own research, assisting with graduate student recruitment, and helping to organize in-house conferences (e.g., CPAC)
Participating in an MTE for a "core" course in the student's field of study; "core" courses include introductory courses, Quantitative Political Methods, and other courses considered "core" by the DGS
Giving at least one supervised guest lecture or presentation
Participating in the MTE or teaching a class that involves regular interaction with students

The Department of Political Science has its own unique Mentored Experience Requirement Implementation Plan (PDF) that all students in this program should review.

AM in Statistics

Students pursuing a PhD in political science may apply for a tailored AM in statistics. The completion of this program should not add any more time to a student’s time to degree. Students should consult with Professor Betsy Sinclair if they are interested in pursuing this AM degree.

Required Courses

Course List
Code	Title	Units
	Theories of Individual and Collective Choice I	3
	Mathematical Modeling in Political Science	3
	Quantitative Political Methodology I	3
	Quantitative Political Methodology II	3
	Causal Inference	3
	Research Workshop I	3

Qualifying Examinations

Progress toward the PhD is contingent upon the student passing examinations that are variously called preliminary, qualifying, general, comprehensive, or major field exams. The qualifying process varies according to the program. In some programs, it consists of a series of incremental, sequential, and cumulative exams over a considerable time. In others, the exams are held during a relatively short period of time. Exams may be replaced by one or more papers. The program, which determines the structure and schedule of the required examinations, is responsible for notifying the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences, of the student’s outcome, whether successful or unsuccessful.

Mentored Experience Requirements

Doctoral students at Washington University must complete a department-defined Mentored Experience. The Mentored Experience Requirement is a doctoral degree milestone that is notated on the student’s transcript when complete. Each department has an established Mentored Experience Implementation Plan in which the number of units that a student must earn through Mentored Teaching Experience(s) and/or Mentored Professional Experience(s) is defined. The Mentored Experience Implementation Plans outline how doctoral students within the discipline will be mentored to achieve competencies in teaching at basic and advanced levels. Some departments may elect to include Mentored Professional Experiences as an avenue for completing some units of the Mentored Experience Requirement. Doctoral students will enroll in LGS 6XXX Mentored Teaching Experience or LGS 7020 Mentored Professional Experience to signify their progression toward completing the overall Mentored Experience Requirement for the degree.

The Doctoral Dissertation

A Research Advisory Committee (RAC) must be created no later than the end of the student’s third year; departments may set shorter timelines (e.g., by the end of the student's second year) for this requirement. As evidence of the mastery of a specific field of knowledge and of the capacity for original scholarly work, each candidate must complete a dissertation that is approved by their RAC.

A Title, Scope & Procedure Form for the dissertation must be signed by the committee members and by the program chair. It must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences, at least 6 months before the degree is expected to be conferred or before beginning the fifth year of full-time enrollment, whichever is earlier.

A Doctoral Dissertation Guide & Template that give instructions regarding the format of the dissertation are available on the website of the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences. Both should be read carefully at every stage of dissertation preparation.

The Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences, requires each student to make the full text of the dissertation available to the committee members for their review at least 1 week before the defense. Most degree programs require 2 or more weeks for the review period; students should check with their faculty.

The Dissertation Defense

Approval of the written dissertation by the RAC is necessary before the student can orally defend their dissertation. The Dissertation Defense Committee that observes and examines the student’s defense consists of at least five members, who normally meet these criteria:

Three of the five must be full-time Washington University faculty members or, for programs offered by Washington University-affiliated partners, full-time members of a Washington University-affiliated partner institution who are authorized to supervise PhD students and who have appropriate expertise in the proposed field of study; one of these three must be the PhD student’s primary thesis advisor, and one may be a member of the emeritus faculty. A fourth member may come from inside or outside the student’s program. The fifth member must be from outside the student’s program; this fifth member may be a Washington University research professor or lecturer, a professor from another university, or a scholar from the private sector or government who holds a doctorate and maintains an active research program.
Three of the five normally come from the student’s degree program; at least one of the five must not.

All committees must be approved by the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences, regardless of whether they meet the normal criteria.

The committee is appointed by the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences, upon the request of the degree program. The student is responsible for making the full text of the dissertation accessible to their committee members for their review in advance of the defense. Faculty and graduate students who are interested in the subject of the dissertation are normally welcome to attend all or part of the defense but may ask questions only at the discretion of the committee members. Although there is some variation among degree programs, the defense ordinarily focuses on the dissertation itself and its relation to the student’s field of expertise.

Submission of the Dissertation

After the defense, the student must submit an electronic copy of the dissertation online to the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences. The submission website requires students to choose among publishing and copyrighting services offered by ProQuest’s ETD Administrator. The degree program is responsible for delivering the final approval form, signed by the committee members at the defense and then by the program chair or director, to the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences. Students who defend their dissertations successfully have not yet completed their PhD requirements; they finish earning their degree only when their dissertation submission has been accepted by the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences.

Visit the Political Science page for additional information about this program.

Contact Info

Phone:	314-935-5810
Email:
Website:

FlashLine Login
Phone Directory
Maps & Directions
Undergraduate Programs Overview
Political Science Major
Political Science Minor
Political Science Club
Advising and Mentoring
Study Abroad
Pi Sigma Alpha
Scholarships
Internship Opportunities
Pre-Law Program
Undergraduate Certificate in Global Issues
Why Political Science?
Graduate Programs Overview
About our Graduate Programs
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Political Science
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Political Science
Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
Graduate Curriculum
Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management
Graduate Student Placements
Information for Applicants
Successful Doctoral Dissertations
People Overview
Graduate Students
Emeriti Profiles
Alumni Success Stories
News & Highlights
Career Exploration and Development

Political Science - Ph.D.

The Political Science doctoral program provides in-depth knowledge and advanced research skills, preparing you for leadership positions in academia, research institutions and public service. With a dedicated faculty and a supportive community of scholars, you'll have access to opportunities for cutting-edge research and professional development.

Ryan Claassen | [email protected] | 330-672-2060
Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

Apply Now Request Information Schedule a visit

More About This Program

Broadly but not exclusively focused on the dynamics surrounding representation, equity, conflict, rights, and conflict resolution, the graduate program at Kent State allows candidates to study important and timely questions under well-established scholars. Our focus on methodological skill, sophisticated research design, and faculty mentoring enables PhD candidates to develop their own research questions in a theoretically and empirically grounded manner. Our program enjoys an impressive completion rate, and our PhD recipients place well .

Many of our Ph.D. students receive funding to support their study. Funding is competitive and only granted to students with exemplary academic records. Support is generally continued for four years, and currently includes a nine-month stipend, tuition remission, and a subsidized health insurance plan. Funded students serve as Graduate Assistants (either assisting with research or teaching) throughout the academic year. In some cases, students may receive financial support to complete their dissertations in the fifth year.

Program Information

Full description.

The Ph.D. degree in Political Science prepares students for research and teaching careers in higher education and for research-based careers in fields that are focused on political, economic and social issues. The degree program is broadly focused on the dynamics surrounding representation, equity, conflict, human rights, development and conflict resolution. Students develop their own research questions in an interdisciplinary and theoretically sophisticated way. Students work with faculty mentors throughout their degree program and often develop and present their own research at regional or national conferences.

The Political Science major comprises the following concentrations, from which students select two:

American Politics and Policy
Conflict Analysis and Management
Transnational and Comparative Politics

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website . For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website .

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
Minimum 3.000 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
Official transcript(s)
Résumé or curriculum vitae with cover letter
Goal statement
Writing sample
Three letters of recommendation
Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
Minimum 58 PTE score
Minimum 110 DET score

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

Priority deadline: February 15 Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission .

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

Understand the theoretical underpinnings of political science and be able to address real world issues and problems.
Attain research and methodological skills that will further their research and make them attractive to future employers.
Effectively communicate research findings and implications to a range of audiences including scholars, practitioners and citizens.

Program Requirements

Graduation requirements, major requirements.

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
Major Requirements
POL 70002	SCOPE AND EPISTEMOLOGY	3
POL 70003	QUANTITATIVE METHODS I	3
POL 70004	QUANTITATIVE METHODS II	3
POL 70010	QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS	3
POL 71094	COLLEGE TEACHING IN POLITICAL SCIENCE	1
Additional Approved Electives for Post-Baccalaureate Students		0-23
Advanced Research Methods, choose from the following:		3
	PROGRAM EVALUATION I
	SEMINAR IN QUANTITATIVE METHODS
	ADVANCED QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
	QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS
	ADVANCED QUALITATIVE METHODS IN SOCIOLOGY
Culminating Requirement
POL 81199	DISSERTATION I	30
Concentrations
Choose two from the following:		21



Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Baccalaureate Students		90
Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Master's Students		67

Dissertation is required. Doctoral students must complete additional approved electives, including research, to reach a minimum of 30 credit hours post-master's (or equivalent advanced degree) or a minimum of 60 credit hours post-bachelor's prior to enrolling in POL 81199 . Upon completion of course requirements and candidacy exams, doctoral students must register for POL 81199 for two semesters for a total of 30 credit hours, and thereafter POL 81299 , until all requirements for the degree have been met.

Students select two concentrations. For the first concentration, students complete one Proseminar or Status of the Field course and three elective courses (12 credit hours). For the second concentration, students complete one Proseminar or Status of the Field course and two elective courses (9 credit hours).

American Politics and Policy Concentration Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
Concentration Requirements
POL 70101	STATUS OF THE FIELD: AMERICAN POLITICS AND POLICY	3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:		6-9
	AMERICAN POLICY PROCESS
	CONGRESS, THE PRESIDENCY AND THE COURTS
	URBAN POLICY AND POLITICS
	AMERICAN POLITICAL BEHAVIOR
	SEMINAR IN AMERICAN POLITICS AND POLICY

Minimum Total Credit Hours:		9-12

Conflict Analysis and Management Concentration Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
Concentration Requirements
POL 70901	FOUNDATIONS OF CONFLICT ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT	3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:		6-9
	CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION AND RECONCILIATION
	POWER, CONFLICT AND THE POLITICS OF GENDER
	IDENTITY DRIVEN CONFLICTS
	SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND NONVIOLENT CONFLICTS
	POLITICAL VIOLENCE
	TERRORISM AND HUMAN RIGHTS
	SEMINAR IN CONFLICT ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT

Minimum Total Credit Hours:		9-12

Transnational and Comparative Politics Concentration Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
Concentration Requirements
POL 70501	STATUS OF THE FIELD: TRANSNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE POLITICS AND POLICY	3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:		6-9
	GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
	FOREIGN POLICY ANALYSIS
	POLITICS OF DEVELOPMENT
	STRATEGIC PLANNING
	SEMINAR IN TRANSNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE POLITICS AND POLICY

Minimum Total Credit Hours:		9-12

Graduation Requirements Summary
Minimum Major GPA	Minimum Overall GPA
-	3.000

Passage of one field paper in the first area of concentration
Written and oral defense of both a dissertation prospectus and dissertation

Residency Requirement

Students must spend two consecutive semesters pursuing doctoral studies.
Kent Campus

Previous Dissertations

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries

about as fast as the average

number of jobs

potential earnings

faster than the average

much faster than the average

little or no change

Request Information

What's Next

Be one step closer to joining our Golden Flashes family!

Street Address

Mailing address.

330-672-3000
[email protected]
Kent State Kent Campus - linkedin
Kent State Kent Campus - snapchat
Kent State Kent Campus - pinterest
Kent State Kent Campus - facebook
Kent State Kent Campus - twitter
Kent State Kent Campus - youtube
Kent State Kent Campus - instagram
Accessibility
Annual Security Reports
Emergency Information
For Our Alumni
For the Media
Health Services
Jobs & Employment
Privacy Statement
HEERF CARES/CRRSAA/ARP Act Reporting and Disclosure
Website Feedback

[100+] Political Science Research Topics With Free [Thesis Pdf] 2023

Are You Searching Research Topics For Political Science , Topics For Political Science Research Paper, Political Science Research Topics For Students, Research Topics Ideas For Political Science, Political Science Research Topics For PhD, Political Science PhD Topics. So You are in right place.

In this article, we provide you latest research topics for Political Science with a full Phd thesis. By these research topics for Political Science you can get idea for your research work. On this website, you can get lots of Political Science Research Topics for College Students, PhD, Mphil, Dissertations, Thesis, Project, Presentation, Seminar or Workshop. Check the suggestions below that can help you choose the right research topics for Political Science: You can also Free Download Political Science Research PhD Thesis in Pdf by the given link.

Now Check 100+ Political Science Research Topics List

Table of Contents

Research Topic For Political Science 2023


1
2
3
4
5

Political Science Research Topics For Dissertation

Research topics ideas for political science, political science research topics ideas for college students, topics for political science research paper, political science research topics for thesis, political science research topics for students, political science research topics for undergraduate students, political science research topics for university students, political science research topics for phd, research topics for phd in political science, research topics for mphil political science, political science phd topics, research paper topics for political science, political science research paper topics, phd thesis topic for political science, research topics for political science subject, political science research topics for fisheries, research topics for political science, political science research topics examples.

Note: All Research Work Idea on this website is inspired by Shodhganga: a reservoir of Indian Theses. We provide you mostly research work under Creative Commons Licence. Credit goes to https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/

If you find any copyright content on this website and you have any objection than plz immediately connect us on [email protected]. We Will remove that content as soon as.

This Post is also helpful for: Political Science Thesis Pdf, Political Science Thesis Topics, Political Science Dissertation Topics, Political Science Thesis, Catchy Title For Political Science, Phd Thesis Topic for Political Science, Political Science Research Paper Topics, Political Science Phd Topics, Political Science Research Topics, Research Topics For Political Science Students in India, Political Science Research Topics For College Students.

13 thoughts on “[100+] Political Science Research Topics With Free [Thesis Pdf] 2023”

Pingback: Home - Research Scholar
Pingback: Home Page 3 - Research Scholar
Pingback: How To Write Master Thesis Pdf: Step By Step Example and Quickly Tips - Research Scholar
Pingback: How To Do Research in Computer Science 2023 - Research Scholar
Pingback: How To Do Research in Statistics 2023 - Research Scholar
Pingback: How To Do Research in Agriculture 2023 - Research Scholar
Pingback: How To Do Research in Public Administration 2023 - Research Scholar
Pingback: How To Do Research in Applied Psychology 2023 - Research Scholar
Pingback: How To Do Research in Political Science 2023 - Research Scholar
Pingback: How To Do Research in Organic Chemistry 2023 - Research Scholar
Pingback: How To Do Research in Anthropology 2023 - Research Scholar
Pingback: How To Do Research in Pharmacy 2023 - Research Scholar
Pingback: How To Do Research in Zoology 2023 - Research Scholar

Advice for surviving your PhD dissertation

Tips for each step of researching, writing and refining a PhD dissertation

From initial research and writing to revision, defence and award, the journey to completing a PhD is often described as a marathon. Here, academics offer their insight on each step towards producing an original work of scholarship. Starting with choosing a supervisor and establishing healthy habits, the advice goes on to cover how to structure a PhD dissertation, establish a writing routine, write an abstract, prepare for a viva and beat procrastination when motivation flags.

.css-7qmtvr{overflow:hidden;max-height:108px;text-indent:0px;} Get a head start in the first year of your PhD

Andreï V. Kostyrka

University of Luxembourg

How to start writing your PhD thesis

Female hands with a pen and a blank page

Strategies for writing a dissertation: write before you’re ‘ready’

Monique Dufour

Virginia Tech

A woman takes notes from an open textbook

How to navigate the PhD thesis

Luis R. Rojas-Solórzano

Nazarbayev University

How to write a PhD thesis: a step-by-step guide

Kelly Louise Preece

University of Exeter

A pin stuck in a calendar on a date that reads: "Write your thesis!"

One thesis, two supports, three months

Mariam Shadan

Dubai Medical College for Girls

How to tackle the PhD dissertation

Dalhousie University

Get your PhD thesis beach ready

John Sinclair

Colorado State University Global

Finding supervision and support

Top tips for choosing a PhD Supervisor

Near East University

Buddy system: creating community through writing

Lena Steveker, Laura Spadon

Cropped image of hands of PhD candidate receiving their certificate

Individual consultations can help PhD students to complete their studies

Szabolcs Várbíró , Judit Réka Hetthéssy, Marianna Török

Semmelweis University

Advice from a doctoral student on overcoming common challenges while studying for your PhD

Transitioning to a PhD: common struggles and how to overcome them

Camille Bou

The London School of Economics and Political Science

Protect your emotional well-being for a happier writing experience

Burcu Totur Dikmen

Why getting a PhD is like building a Lego duck

The University of Edinburgh

Advice for doing a PhD by publication

Why get a PhD by publication (and other career tips)

James Derounian

University of Bolton

Asian scholar working at laptop, PhD by publication

Publication-based doctorate: is it for me?

Northumbria University

Advice for supervising a PhD by published works

Alison Brettle

University of Salford

$Light refracted through a prism$

How to write an abstract for a research paper

Ankitha Shetty

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Read this before you write your abstract

Michael Willis

How to find motivation, keep going and finish your thesis

Five ways to beat the procrastination monster

Glenn Fosbraey

University of Winchester

The magic motivation fairy does not exist for academics

Bad news, kids (and academics): the magical motivation fairy doesn’t exist

Hugh Kearns

Flinders University

What is your academic writing temperament?

Rachael Cayley

University of Toronto

How to develop a researcher mindset as a PhD student

Shaif Uddin Ahammed

University of the West of Scotland

Evidence synthesis: what every student (and researcher) should know

Alessio Bellato

University of Southampton

Preparing for the viva or defence of your PhD

A research student undergoing her viva exam

‘Augmenting’ the doctoral thesis in preparation for a viva

Edward Mills

How to answer viva questions

Jenny Scoles

Tips for writing a PhD dissertation: FAQs answered

Campus team

Suggestions or feedback?

MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Machine learning
Social justice
Black holes
Classes and programs

Departments

Aeronautics and Astronautics
Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Architecture
Political Science
Mechanical Engineering

Centers, Labs, & Programs

Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)
Picower Institute for Learning and Memory
Lincoln Laboratory
School of Architecture + Planning
School of Engineering
School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
Sloan School of Management
School of Science
MIT Schwarzman College of Computing

The rules of the game

Press contact :.

Previous image Next image

At the core of Raymond Wang’s work lies a seemingly simple question: Can’t we just get along?

Wang, a fifth-year political science graduate student, is a native of Hong Kong who witnessed firsthand the shakeup and conflict engendered by China’s takeover of the former British colony. “That type of experience makes you wonder why things are so complicated,” he says. “Why is it so hard to live with your neighbors?”

Today, Wang is focused on ways of managing a rapidly intensifying U.S.-China competition, and more broadly, on identifying how China — and other emerging global powers — bend, break, or creatively accommodate international rules in trade, finance, maritime, and arms control matters to achieve their ends.

The current game for global dominance between the United States and China continually threatens to erupt into dangerous confrontation. Wang’s research aims to construct a more nuanced take on China’s behaviors in this game.

“U.S. policy towards China should be informed by a better understanding of China’s behaviors if we are to avoid the worst-case scenario,” Wang believes.

“Selective and smart”

One of Wang’s major research thrusts is the ongoing trade war between the two nations. “The U.S. views China as rewriting the rules, creating an alternative world order — and accuses China of violating World Trade Organization (WTO) rules,” says Wang. “But in fact, China has been very selective and smart about responding to these rules.”

One critical, and controversial, WTO matter involves determining whether state-owned enterprises are, in the arcane vocabulary of the group, “public bodies,” which are subject to sometimes punitive WTO rules. The United States asserts that if a government owns 51 percent of a company, it is a public body. This means that many essential Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) — manufacturers of electric vehicles, steel, or chemicals, for example — would fall under WTO provisions, and potentially face punitive discipline.

But China isn’t the only nation with SOEs. Many European countries, including stalwart U.S. partners France and Norway, subsidize companies that qualify as public bodies according to the U.S. definition. They, too, could be subject to tough WTO regulations.

“This could harm a swathe of the E.U. economy,” says Wang. “So China intelligently made the case to the international community that the U.S. position is extreme, and has pushed for a more favorable interpretation through litigation at the WTO.”

For Wang, this example highlights a key insight of his research: “Rising powers such as China exhibit cautious opportunism,” he says. “China will try to work with the existing rules as much as possible, including bending them in creative ways.”

But when it comes down to it, Wang argues, China would rather avoid the costs of building something completely new.

“If you can repurpose an old tool, why would you buy a new one?” he asks. “The vast majority of actions China is taking involves reshaping the existing order, not introducing new rules or blowing up institutions and building new ones.”

Interviewing key players

To bolster his theory of “cautious opportunism,” Wang’s doctoral project sets out a suite of rule-shaping strategies adopted by rising powers in international organizations. His analysis is driven by case studies of disputes recently concluded, or ongoing, in the WTO, the World Bank, and other bodies responsible for defining and policing rules that govern all manner of international relations and commerce.

Gathering evidence for his argument, Wang has been interviewing people critical to the disputes on all sides.

“My approach is to figure out who was in the room when certain decisions were made and talk to every single person there,” he says. “For the WTO and World Bank, I’ve interviewed close to 50 relevant personnel, including front-line lawyers, senior leadership, and former government officials.” These interviews took place in Geneva, Singapore, Tokyo, and Washington.

But writing about disputes that involve China poses a unique set of problems. “It’s difficult to talk to actively serving Chinese officials, and in general, nobody wants to go on the record because all the content is sensitive.” As Wang moves on to cases in maritime governance, he will be reaching out to the key players involved in managing sensitive conflicts in the South China Sea, an Indo-Pacific region dotted with shoals and offering desirable fisheries as well as oil and gas resources.

Even here, Wang suggests, China may find reason to be cautious rather than opportunistic, preferring to carve out exemptions for itself or shift interpretations, rather than overturning the existing rules wholesale.

Indeed, Wang believes China and other rising powers introduce new rules only when conditions open up a window of opportunity: “It may be worth doing so when using traditional tools doesn’t get you what you want, if your competitors are unable or unwilling to counter mobilize against you, and you see that the costs of establishing these new rules are worth it,” he says.

Beyond Wang’s dissertation, he has also been part of a research team led by M. Taylor Fravel, Arthur and Ruth Sloan Professor of Political Science, that has published papers on China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

From friends to enemies

Wang left Hong Kong and its political ferment behind at age 15, but the challenge of dealing with a powerful neighbor and the potential crisis it represented stayed with him. In Italy, he attended a United World College — part of a network of schools bringing together young people from different nations and cultures for the purpose of training leaders and peacemakers.

“It’s a utopian idea, where you force teenagers from all around the world to live and study together and get along for two years,” says Wang. “There were people from countries in the Balkans that were actively at war with each other, who grew up with the memory of air raid sirens and family members who fought each other, but these kids would just hang out together.”

Coexistence was possible on the individual level, Wang realized, but he wondered, “What systemic thing happens that makes people do messed-up stuff to each other when they are in a group?”

With this question in mind, he went to the University of St. Andrews for his undergraduate and master’s degrees in international relations and modern history. As China continued its economic and military march onto the world stage, and Iran generated international tensions over its nuclear ambitions, Wang became interested in nuclear disarmament. He drilled down into the subject at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, where he earned a second master’s degree in nonproliferation and terrorism studies.

Leaning into a career revolving around policy, he applied to MIT’s security studies doctoral program, hoping to focus on the impact of emerging technologies on strategic nuclear stability. But events in the world led him to pivot. “When I started in the fall of 2019, the U.S.-China relationship was going off the rails with the trade war,” he says. “It was clear that managing the relationship would be one of the biggest foreign policy challenges for the foreseeable future, and I wanted to do research that would help ensure that the relationship wouldn’t tip into a nuclear war.”

Cooling tensions

Wang has no illusions about the difficulty of containing tensions between a superpower eager to assert its role in the world order, and one determined to hold onto its primacy. His goal is to make the competition more transparent, and if possible, less overtly threatening. He is preparing a paper, “Guns and Butter: Measuring Spillover and Implications for Technological Competition,” that outlines the different paths taken by the United States and China in developing defense-related technology that also benefits the civilian economy.

As he wades into the final phase of his thesis and contemplates his next steps, Wang hopes that his research insights might inform policymakers, especially in the United States, in their approach to China. While there is a fiercely competitive relationship, “there is still room for diplomacy,” he believes. “If you accept my theory that a rising power will try and use, or even abuse, existing rules as much as possible, then you need non-military — State Department — boots on the ground to monitor what is going on at all the international institutions,” he says. The more information and understanding the United States has of China’s behavior, the more likely it will be able “to cool down some of the tensions,” says Wang. “We need to develop a strategic empathy.”

Share this news article on:

Owen Coté, military technology expert and longtime associate director of the Security Studies Program, dies at 63

On left, a photo of Roger Petersen. On right, the cover of the book shows three soldiers walking up stairs and the text, “Death, Dominance, and State-Building: The US in Iraq and the Future of American Military Intervention.”

A careful rethinking of the Iraq War

Illustration of two shaking hands. Both wear suits, while one hand is in the colors of the Russian flag and the other is in the colors of the Chinese flag. A graphic of world continents is behind them.

Foreign policy scholars examine the China-Russia relationship

“For more than 40 years, the faculty, fellows, and students of SSP have been conducting policy-relevant and rigorous research on questions of war and peace, both among states and within them. I am honored to be given this opportunity to serve as director and look forward to working with my SSP and MIT colleagues in this new role,” says M. Taylor Fravel, the Arthur and Ruth Sloan Professor of P...

Taylor Fravel named director of the MIT Security Studies Program

Previous item Next item

More MIT News

Pioneering the future of materials extraction

Read full story →

MIT researchers identify routes to stronger titanium alloys

Two sides of a tiny, thin arrow-shaped device with circuits.

Implantable microphone could lead to fully internal cochlear implants

The tenured engineers of 2024

Cardiac pacing device with 3D-printable leads

Detachable cardiac pacing lead may improve safety for cardiac patients

“Rollerama” roller rink opens in Kendall Square

More news on MIT News homepage →

Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, USA

Map (opens in new window)
Events (opens in new window)
People (opens in new window)
Careers (opens in new window)
Accessibility
Social Media Hub
MIT on Facebook
MIT on YouTube
MIT on Instagram

COMMENTS

100+ Research Topics In Politics (+ Free Webinar)
Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation or thesis. If you've landed on this post, chances are you're looking for a politics-related research topic, but aren't sure where to start. Here, we'll explore a variety of politically-related research ideas across a range of disciplines, including political ...
100 Political Science Research Topics in 2024
Political Science Research Topics What we have here is analysis and an in-depth study of processes that relate to politics. A scientist can approach certain event and study cause-and-effect of an issue, study political leader personality or write reflection essay about police officers behavior that have bias towards African American teenagers or those that wear a hood.
Dissertations
Graduate, Dissertations: Area Studies, East Asian, Political Science: Wasif, Rafeel. 2020. "Terrorists or Philanthropists: Assessing the Effect of 9/11 on Nonprofits in the US and Pakistan" Graduate, Dissertations: Islamic Studies, Political Science: Kevin Aslett. 2020. "The Effect of Economic Policies/Behavior on Contemporary Threats to Democracy"
Political Science Theses and Dissertations
Theses/Dissertations from 2018 PDF. Deepening Democracy: Inclusion, Deliberation, And Voice In The Grassroots South, Annie L. Boiter-Jolley. PDF. Evangelicals, Perceived Marginalization and Expressive Mobilization, Christin E. McMasters. Theses/Dissertations from 2017 PDF. The Economic Foundations of Authoritarian Rule, Clay Robert Fuller. PDF
800 Political Science Research Paper Topics
Political Science Research Paper Topics. This page provides a comprehensive list of political science research paper topics, carefully curated to assist students pursuing studies in the field of political science. Covering a wide array of categories, these topics offer a wealth of options for research and exploration.
300+ Political Science Research Topics
300+ Political Science Research Topics. March 26, 2024. by Muhammad Hassan. Political Science is a fascinating field that deals with the study of governments, public policies, and political behavior. It encompasses a wide range of topics, from the intricacies of international relations to the workings of democratic systems.
Political Science Dissertations by Topic
Our graduates have produced a wide range of political science dissertations under multiple topics. For more information, visit the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University to learn more. ... PhD in Political Science Resources for Comprehensive Exams; PhD in Public Policy: Academic Advising; PhD 101; PhD Handbooks and ...
PhD in Political Science
The Ph.D. in Political Science program prepares students to be outstanding researchers and scholars at top universities, policy think tanks, consulting firms, a ... PhD in Political Science The Ph ... Recent dissertation topics have spanned women's organizations and the partisan gender gap, judicial politics in the Middle East, media freedom in ...
PhD in Political Science
The MIT PhD in Political Science requires preparation in two of these major fields: American Politics. Comparative Politics. International Relations. Models and Methods. Political Economy. Security Studies. We recommend that you take a broad array of courses across your two major fields. In some cases, a single course may overlap across the ...
Graduate Dissertation
Graduate Program. The dissertation is a substantial work of original scholarship usually ranging in length from 200 to 450 double-spaced pages. Once coursework and both preliminary examinations are passed, the student is considered to have Advanced to Candidacy and is officially a Ph.D. candidate.
100 Best Political Science Research Topics
Political science is an incredibly broad and variated discipline, containing numerous subfields that attract immense amounts of research. Researchers in the field can utilize diverse empirical or theoretical methodologies, sometimes in combination. There are specialized fields based on geographic areas, time periods, political forms and institutions, and bodies of thought. Researchers might ...
340 Political Science Research Topics & Ideas for Your Paper
Current Research Topics in Political Science. Political science is a progressing field, so the problems you research will always be relevant. Our list of up-to-date topics of political science will help you make sure your paper is on point. Artificial intelligence in global governance.
PDF Dissertation Options and Proposal Formats
THE DISSERTATION'S TITLE. A Dissertation Proposal Submitted to the Political Science Department by Jane Doe 1 Main Street / Apt. A Boston, MA 02115 617-373-2796 janedoe@email Month Day, Year. Primary Reader. Secondary Reader. Tertiary Reader (if known) Primary Reader. Secondary Reader. PhD Program Director.
Award Winning Theses
The Kenneth F. Janda Prize for Distinguished Honors Thesis in Political Science is awarded annually for the best undergraduate Honors thesis of the year. Student name. Year. Kelly Miller. 2022. Andrew Myers (Honorable Mention) 2022. Julian Freiberg. 2021.
PhD Dissertations
2023. Pathways to Stringent Carbon Pricing: Configurations of Political Economy Conditions and Revenue Recycling Strategies. by Daniel Muth. Defense Committee: Florian Weiler (supervisor, CEU) Evelyne Hübscher (CEU) Paula Mónica Castro Pareja (external voting member, Zurich University of Applied Sciences) Carsten Schneider (chair, CEU) Date ...
PDF A Guide for PhD Researchers
Life as a Politics PhD researcher 1 The Political Studies Association (PSA) exists to develop and promote the study of politics. Founded in 1950, we are the leading Association in our ﬁeld in the United Kingdom, with an international membership including academics in political science and current aﬀairs, theorists and
Public Policy Dissertations by Topic
Our database of dissertations covers several topics of public policy. For more information, visit the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University online. ... PhD in Political Science Resources for Comprehensive Exams; PhD in Public Policy: Academic Advising; PhD 101; PhD Handbooks and Forms; Doctoral Candidates & Research;
Theses and Dissertations--Political Science, University of Kentucky
Theses/Dissertations from 2021 PDF. The Transnational Diffusion of Human Trafficking Policy, Glenn M. Harden. PDF. THE POLITICAL CONSEQUENCES OF STATE ACTION ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: HOW VICTIMS AND NON-VICTIMS FORM OPINIONS ABOUT GOVERNMENT, Helen Rabello Kras. PDF. International Cooperation Networks and Economic Sanction Effectiveness ...
PDF Writing a Politics Dissertation
A dissertation - whether a 14,000 word MA dissertation, or a 100,000 word Ph.D - is a limited piece of academic work. The two italicised words are important. Because the dissertation is limited in length, the scope of topic that a dissertation may cover is limited. Hence "The Debt Crisis" is unlikely to be a suitable topic, while "Peru's ...
Politics thesis and dissertation collection
Pluriversal reconciliation: democratic theories, political violence and onto-epistemic dialogue . Ardila Arévalo, Camilo Andrés (The University of Edinburgh, 2024-05-01) In this PhD dissertation, I explore the role of democratic theories in contexts of political reconciliation through the lens of pluriversal politics.
Program: Political Science, PhD
A minimum of 45 hours of course work is required for a political science PhD, plus at least 12 hours of dissertation credit. Students must successfully complete oral and written comprehensive examinations. ... The core curriculum is designed to provide beginning PhD students with a broad overview of important topics in Political Science. For ...
A List Of Great Political Science Dissertation Topics
Top 30 Dissertation Topics In Political Science - Choose The Best One. A dissertation is a comprehensive piece of work that will often be completed by students studying at a high level, such as a university degree. When studying a subject such as political science, the chances of you being required to write such an essay are fairly high.
Top 100 Political Science Dissertation Topics for Your Entire
The list of political science dissertation topics is an initiative by our researchers to help students save their invaluable time and energy by switching directly to the recommended topic. The students of political science can prudently utilize the time and expend the same to intense research, eloquent writing, crisp editing, and adequate ...
PhD Alumna Sabrina Axster wins Honorable Mention for APSA Migration
PhD Alumna Sabrina Axster was awarded Honorable Mention for the 2024 APSA Migration & Citizenship Section Best Dissertation Prize for her dissertation, "Making Migrant Illegality: Vagrancy, Indentured Labor, and the Policing of Mobility in Germany." ... The Department of Political Science. Johns Hopkins University 338 Mergenthaler Hall 3400 ...
Political Science, PhD < Washington University in St.Louis
Minor: Students must satisfactorily complete (with a grade of B+ or better) at least three graduate-level seminars in international politics. The requirement includes the 500-level graduate sequence and 500-level political science and economics courses authorized by the International Politics Committee. Political and Social Theory
Political Science
1 . Dissertation is required. Doctoral students must complete additional approved electives, including research, to reach a minimum of 30 credit hours post-master's (or equivalent advanced degree) or a minimum of 60 credit hours post-bachelor's prior to enrolling in POL 81199.Upon completion of course requirements and candidacy exams, doctoral students must register for POL 81199 for two ...
Shodhganga@INFLIBNET: Dept. of Political Science
Problem of justice in contemporary Marxist political theory: Verma, Vidhu: Manorajan, Mohanty: 19-Jun-2023: Mother cult and militant nationalism germination of revolutionary movement in Bengal 1905 1910: Ghosh, Ashish Kumar: B.B.Sarkar: 15-Jun-2023: Political study of president s rule in the Indian states 1966 1984: Davinder Kaur: Rattan Ram ...
[100+] Political Science Research Topics With Free [Thesis Pdf] 2023
Political Science Research Topics Examples. Sr. No. Research Topic. Check Thesis. 1. The impact of 73rd constitutional amendment on panchayati raj _ a case study of Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. Download. 2. The role of military in politics_ a case study of Bangaladesh.
Advice for surviving your PhD dissertation
Here, academics offer their insight on each step towards producing an original work of scholarship. Starting with choosing a supervisor and establishing healthy habits, the advice goes on to cover how to structure a PhD dissertation, establish a writing routine, write an abstract, prepare for a viva and beat procrastination when motivation flags.
The rules of the game
Topics View All →. Explore: Machine learning ... Wang, a fifth-year political science graduate student, is a native of Hong Kong who witnessed firsthand the shakeup and conflict engendered by China's takeover of the former British colony. ... Beyond Wang's dissertation, he has also been part of a research team led by M. Taylor Fravel ...

Research Topics & Ideas: Politics

Overview: Politics-Related Topics

Topics & Ideas: Political Theory

Topics & Ideas: Comparative Politics

Topics & Ideas: International Relations

Tops & Ideas: Public Administration

Topics & Ideas: Public Policy

Examples: Politics Dissertations & Theses

Get 1:1 Help

You Might Also Like:

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

100 Original Political Science Research Topics

5 Do’s & 5 Don’ts of Political Papers

Need more writing assistance?

100 Political Science Research Topics

International Relations Political Science Research Topics

Save your time with free essay samples on International Relations

Political Science Research Topics on Public Administration

Political Science Research Topics on Public Law

Elevate your papers with professional touch!

Political Science Research Topics

Political Theorists Research Topics

Political Conflicts Research Topics

Political Science Research Topics on Conflict Resolution

Political Science Research Topics on Mediation & Negotiation

Professional & Urgent Writing Help

Was this helpful?

Written by David Kidwell

Related Blog Posts

150+ Medical research paper topics for students

How to conduct research: best tips from experienced EduBirdie writers

Join our 150K of happy users

Search form

Political Science Theses and Dissertations

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Submissions

Political Science Research Paper Topics

800 Political Science Research Paper Topics

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Browse More Political Science Topics:

The Range of Political Science Research Paper Topics

Choosing Political Science Research Paper Topics

How to Write a Political Science Research Paper

iResearchNet Custom Writing Services

Unlock the Secrets to Academic Success

ORDER HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PAPER

300+ Political Science Research Topics

Political Science Research Topics

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

You may also like

300+ Science Research Topics

500+ Sports Research Topics

300+ Mental Health Research Topics

500+ Qualitative Research Titles and Topics

300+ American History Research Paper Topics

500+ Medical Research Topic Ideas

PhD in Political Science

Major and Minor Fields

Major Fields

Minor Fields

Course Requirements

Graduate Program

PhD in Political Science

How the PhD program works

Requirements

2. Scope and Methods

3. Statistics