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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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Political Philosophy Research Paper Topics

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This page provides a comprehensive list of political philosophy research paper topics that aim to guide students through the vast expanse of ideas, theories, and debates that have influenced political thought over the ages. Political philosophy, with its emphasis on societal structures, rights, justice, and governance, offers a rich tapestry of subjects for academic exploration. Navigating these topics is crucial for understanding the foundational principles that have dictated and continue to shape political systems worldwide.

100 Political Philosophy Research Paper Topics

Political philosophy holds an esteemed position in the vast realm of philosophical inquiry, examining the fundamental nature of governance, rights, freedom, and societal structures. As societies evolve, so too does the need for a deepened understanding of the principles that guide them. Diving into political philosophy research paper topics is more than an academic exercise; it’s an exploration into the fabric of our collective societal heritage and a forecast of future trajectories.

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  • Origin and evolution of political thought.
  • Natural rights and their influence on politics.
  • The role of reason in political decision-making.
  • The concept of the common good.
  • Pluralism and its implications.
  • Classical vs. modern political philosophies.
  • The notion of political obligation.
  • Autonomy and its role in politics.
  • Political philosophy and the question of human nature.
  • Liberty, equality, and their tensions.
  • Rousseau’s Social Contract and the general will.
  • Locke’s Two Treatises of Government and property rights.
  • Hobbes’ Leviathan and the necessity of a strong sovereign.
  • Rawls’ theory of justice and the veil of ignorance.
  • Scanlon’s contractualism.
  • Gauthier’s Morals by Agreement.
  • Contemporary criticisms of social contract theories.
  • The role of trust in social contracts.
  • Feminist perspectives on the social contract.
  • The social contract and non-Western philosophies.
  • Classical principles of Athenian democracy.
  • Modern representative democracies.
  • Merits and criticisms of autocratic governance.
  • The rise and implications of technocratic governance.
  • Participatory vs. deliberative democracy.
  • The challenges of direct democracy.
  • Monarchies and their evolving roles.
  • Theocracy and its place in modern politics.
  • Tribal and indigenous governance structures.
  • Supranational entities and global governance.
  • The philosophical foundations of human rights.
  • Balancing individual freedom and collective responsibility.
  • Limitations and responsibilities of free speech.
  • Rights to privacy in the digital age.
  • Economic rights and their implications.
  • Rights of marginalized and indigenous groups.
  • Environmental rights and intergenerational justice.
  • Philosophical debates on freedom vs. security.
  • The right to revolt and civil disobedience.
  • Duties and the scope of global responsibilities.
  • Socratic views on governance and society.
  • Medieval political thought and the divine right.
  • Enlightenment thinkers and the rise of republicanism.
  • Fascist and Nazi political philosophies.
  • Post-colonial political thought.
  • Marxism and its global implications.
  • Feminist political philosophies through history.
  • Confucianism and East Asian political thought.
  • African Ubuntu philosophy and politics.
  • The political thought of the American Founding Fathers.
  • Rawls’ Theory of Justice.
  • Nozick’s Anarchy, State, and Utopia.
  • Distributive vs. commutative justice.
  • The gendered perspective on justice.
  • Restorative and retributive justice.
  • The philosophy of social and economic equality.
  • Capability approach to justice.
  • The philosophical foundations of affirmative action.
  • Intersecting oppressions and justice.
  • The role of luck in justice and fairness debates.
  • Classical conceptions of political power.
  • Weber’s tripartite classification of authority.
  • The problem of political obligation.
  • Foucault’s power/knowledge thesis.
  • Challenges to political legitimacy.
  • The philosophical underpinnings of civil resistance.
  • Power dynamics in international relations.
  • The concept of soft power.
  • Critical theory and power structures.
  • The philosophy behind sovereign immunity.
  • Just War theory and its critiques.
  • Philosophical perspectives on nuclear deterrence.
  • Humanitarian interventions and their ethical implications.
  • Realism vs. liberalism in international politics.
  • Kant’s Perpetual Peace and modern peace theories.
  • The politics and philosophy of global institutions.
  • Philosophical underpinnings of international law.
  • Terrorism, radicalism, and their challenges to political philosophy.
  • The ethics of drone warfare.
  • Philosophical discussions on global migration and borders.
  • Philosophical defenses and critiques of capitalism.
  • Marxist theory and its contemporary relevance.
  • The evolution and varieties of socialism.
  • Anarchist philosophies and critiques of the state.
  • Fascism and its ideological roots.
  • Libertarianism: principles and criticisms.
  • Environmental political philosophies.
  • Feminist political ideologies.
  • Postmodern political thought.
  • The future of neoliberalism.
  • Contemporary Issues and Challenges in Political Philosophy.
  • The philosophical implications of populism.
  • Identity politics and its critiques.
  • Political philosophy in the age of information.
  • Climate change and political responsibilities.
  • Bioethics, technology, and governance.
  • Challenges and opportunities of globalism.
  • Philosophical perspectives on nationalism.
  • The future of democracy in a digital age.
  • The rights and roles of AI in politics.
  • The political implications of post-truth.

As we delve into the labyrinth of political philosophy research paper topics, we find ourselves confronted with a vast array of ideas, theories, and questions that have shaped societies for millennia. The dynamic interplay of power, rights, governance, and ethics remains as relevant today as it did in the days of Plato and Aristotle. Engaging with these topics is more than an academic endeavor—it’s a journey into the heart of what it means to be human, to be a citizen, and to be a part of the ever-evolving story of civilization. The timeless value of political philosophy serves as a testament to its enduring influence and the essential role it plays in our collective narrative.

The Range of Political Philosophy Research Paper Topics

Introduction

The annals of Western thought have been significantly shaped by the enduring influence of political philosophy. From the early musings of Socratic dialogues to the nuanced debates in contemporary think tanks, political philosophy provides a compass by which societies navigate the turbulent waters of governance, rights, and justice.

Overview of the Historical Evolution of Political Philosophy

Political philosophy, as a distinct discipline, has its roots in ancient civilizations. Early Greek thinkers, notably Plato and Aristotle, laid the groundwork for many debates that persist today. Their considerations of the ideal state, justice, and the nature of leadership set the stage for millennia of discourse. This classical foundation was built upon during the Roman era by philosophers like Cicero and later during the Enlightenment by figures such as Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu. Their discussions on social contracts, individual rights, and the separation of powers have left an indelible mark on Western political systems.

The 19th and 20th centuries ushered in a plethora of new ideologies, spurred by industrialization, wars, and revolutions. Thinkers like Marx and Engels critiqued capitalism and introduced revolutionary socialist ideals. Concurrently, the horrors of war led to reflections on nationalism, imperialism, and the ethics of conflict, with philosophers like Hannah Arendt dissecting the roots of totalitarianism and the banality of evil.

Relevance of Political Philosophy Research Paper Topics

A venture into political philosophy research paper topics offers a unique prism through which one can comprehend the evolution and diversity of human governance. Every political system, from monarchies to democracies, springs from a foundational philosophical rationale. For instance, understanding the American Revolution and its aftermath is enriched by a grasp of Lockean principles of life, liberty, and property. Similarly, dissecting the rise and fall of Soviet communism is more insightful when one considers Marxist-Leninist tenets.

Moreover, as globalization melds East and West, there’s an increasing importance in understanding non-Western political philosophies. Confucianism’s influence on East Asian governance models, or the Ubuntu philosophy’s impact on African communal values, are testament to the vast expanse of political philosophical thought.

Contemporary Significance and Challenges Addressed by Political Philosophy

Today, the world is no less complex than it was for our philosophical forebears. We grapple with issues of globalism vs. nationalism, the role of AI in governance, and the sociopolitical ramifications of climate change. These challenges necessitate a philosophical lens. For instance, debates on global migration are enriched by applying Rawlsian principles of justice. Similarly, the ethical implications of surveillance in our digital age can be assessed through Foucauldian concepts of power dynamics.

Political philosophy research paper topics also offer avenues to dissect newer ideologies and movements. The rise of populism in various parts of the world, debates surrounding identity politics, and the philosophical underpinnings of the alt-right or antifa movements provide rich grounds for exploration.

The Role of Political Philosophy in Shaping Public Opinion, Policy-making, and Societal Norms

While often regarded as a high-brow academic pursuit, political philosophy is intrinsically tied to the pulse of the street. The philosophical convictions of thinkers often trickle down to shape public opinion and, by extension, influence policy-making. For instance, the principles articulated in John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty inform contemporary discussions on free speech and societal limits.

Additionally, societal norms, like our collective views on privacy, freedom, or equality, are continually shaped by ongoing philosophical discourses. The feminist philosophical movement, for example, has had tangible impacts, reshaping societal norms and pushing for policy changes in areas like workplace rights, reproductive health, and representation.

As the global landscape undergoes rapid and unpredictable shifts, the significance of political philosophy research paper topics becomes ever more pronounced. These topics, rooted in age-old debates yet adaptable to contemporary quandaries, provide invaluable tools for dissecting, understanding, and ultimately shaping the world around us. In a globalized, digitized age, political philosophy remains a beacon, illuminating the path for governance, societal values, and human rights. Its timeless relevance stands as a testament to the depth and breadth of issues it addresses, guiding societies past, present, and future.

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Political Science Research Topics

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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.

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200 Unique Political Science Research Topics

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Political science is an interesting field which covers the study of government, politics, and public policy. It is an intriguing subject hence you get plenty of potential areas to explore for research. All you need is to choose a good research topic to craft a masterpiece.

Speaking of which, are you having issues choosing a research topic? Don’t worry, we have huge lists of amazing topics here from a professional  paper help  to get you started. Let’s read them all.

Table of Contents

Top Political Science Topics to Ace Your Research Paper

Political science has loads of potential topics for research. Hence, it’s a great opportunity for you to make a mark academically with this paper. Let’s get started with our first list!

Interesting Political Science Research Topics

If you want to delve into the complexities of international politics, go for a topic from this list.: 

  • Afghanistan in international relations
  • The Great Afghan Game and its impact
  • The national interest of The States: from the origins to the era of multilateralism
  • The political history of the United States geopolitics institutions government
  • Security and Geopolitics Strategies
  • The transformation of international economic and geopolitical relations
  • Public Opinion and Foreign Policy
  • European Union public opinion regarding Middle Eastern Affairs
  • European integration foreign policy for Albania
  • Soft power: the case of the United States and China
  • China vs. the United States: Soft power affairs and the role of Media
  • University course of Political Sciences and International Relations
  • Strengthening the capacities of the European Union’s international relations after the Lisbon Treaty
  • The Uniting for Peace resolution and its impact on the United Nations’ practice
  • Iraq from a province of the Ottoman Empire to the fall of the monarchy (1514 – 1958)
  • History of Islamic Middle East
  • International relations of Iraq During the Ottoman Empire
  • Cyberwar: instability in international relations
  • America’s political and trade relations with Iran
  • The Case of North Korea 
  • Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq
  • Agreements, conflicts and power strategies
  • Vladimir Putin’s Foreign Policy and Post-Ukrainian-War relations with the world
  • Ukraine between East and West
  • Sport and International Relations
  • UN and the IOC for the protection of human rights
  • Nonverbal and intercultural communicative competence for tourism promotion
  • US Energy Security Strategies
  • Russia and China: history of relations from 1949 to 2012 and oil relations from 1992 to 2012
  • From the Silk Road to the natural gas route: geopolitics and international relations in Central Asia
  • The Evolution of a Political Phenomenon
  • Relations between Russia and the European Union from 1992 to today and the impact of the Russo-Ukrainian War
  • Chinese diplomacy in Africa: an example of strategic cooperation
  • Recent international aspects of the China-US relationship
  • The evolution of the international discipline relating to climate change
  • The difficult relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States
  • China and the international legal system
  • Diplomatic aspects of the Balkan wars

Public Law Political Science Research Topics

Check out our selection of interesting legal inquiries and explore the world of Public Law. Here you go with the list:

  • Private economic activity and public administration: mutual limits and collaboration tools
  • Public services and local public services
  • The role of the municipality in the constitutional and European framework
  • Local autonomy and fiscal federalism
  • The concept of the Republic and the reorganization of territorial autonomies 
  • The protection of fundamental rights between domestic law and European law
  • Legal reserves and the principle of legality
  • The guarantee of democratic control
  • The nullity of the administrative provision
  • The administrative precautionary judgment
  • Constitutional law, administrative law and Public economic law
  • The constitutionalizing of the subsidiarity principle
  • The protection of competition between the State and the Regions
  • The division of jurisdiction in the American constitutional system
  • National law and community law
  • Legality, impartiality and good performance of the Public Administration
  • Constitutional principles of administration
  • Internal and external relations of the European Union
  • Regulations, procedures and organization regarding European structural funds
  • The institutions of the European Union
  • International organization
  • The American judicial area and the free circulation of civil and criminal judgments
  • International civil procedural law
  • Private international law
  • Internal and international criminal procedure
  • International cooperation in criminal matters
  • Comparative law of the environment
  • Citizenship, immigration and asylum
  • Constitutions and constitutionalism

Top Political Science Research Topics

Check out this list of thought-provoking political science topics. Here’s the list:

  • State reform and political culture
  • Electoral processes, political parties, political groups
  • Civil society, social movements, collective action and political culture
  • Political role regarding human rights
  • National security
  • Scenarios of politics and power
  • Political processes
  • Federalism and state reform in Europe
  • Legislative powers in the United States of America
  • Public security, justice and rule of law
  • Transition to democracy
  • Democratization
  • Political culture
  • Reform of the state
  • Problems of political change 
  • Political socialization and values of democracy in the child population
  • Political system
  • The political system in the States
  • Comparative political culture
  • Exclusion, participation and citizenship
  • Political organization
  • Participation of the workers
  • Government, processes and social actors
  • Public opinion and political behavior
  • Comparative political institutions
  • Electoral processes and voter behavior
  • Political transition
  • Political and electoral communication and marketing
  • Campaigns and elections
  • Mass media and political transition
  • Comparative political transformations in Latin American countries
  • Globalization and trade unionism in Mexico and Brazil
  • Religion and politics, religion and economics
  • Political parties and electoral systems
  • Actors and leaders Global Political Powers
  • Political conflict and social order
  • Legal system and institutional designs
  • Structural reforms in comparative perspective
  • Democratic consolidation
  • Democracy and rule of law
  • Civil society, political culture, governance

Political Theory Research Topics

  • The Idea of Political Theory
  • Varieties of Political Theory
  • The foundations of a fair policy
  • Power: politics, identity and the Law
  • Political thought as theory
  • Research about political ideologies
  • The founding political ideologies in modernity
  • Difference between liberalism, socialism and conservatism
  • Approaches to their divergences and affinities
  • The positive and analytical theory of politics
  • Institutions and problems of institutional design
  • Contemporary Political Philosophy
  • Liberalism, Marxism, Libertarianism, Feminism, and Communitarianism
  • Contemporary political realism
  • The foundations of a secular order
  • The question of modernity in political America
  • The search for the sources of moral and/or political energies
  • The search for transparency and certainty
  • The intellectual pre-conditions of modernity
  • The impossibility of emancipation
  • The Rule of Law and its aporias: Sovereignty, Exception and Constituent Power
  • The “technical” nature of political power
  • The moral problem for political power
  • The question of political realism
  • Power as a contingency of the human
  • Power as self-government: the techniques of democracy
  • From the Idea of Justice to the practice of Justice
  • Multiculturalism and Justice
  • The question of the feminists and the idea of Justice
  • Different principles for the Idea of Justice
  • Justice, collective interest, common good and rights

Political Science Research Questions

  • What are the primary factors influencing voter turnout? 
  • To what extent does the media’s framing of political events influence public opinion? 
  • What are the key drivers behind the persistence of authoritarian regimes in certain regions? 
  • How does international cooperation on climate change mitigation and adaptation vary? 
  • What are the implications of emerging disruptive technologies? 
  • How do different electoral systems affect representation and governance outcomes?
  • What are the main challenges and opportunities in crafting effective immigration policies? 
  • What role does identity politics play in shaping the dynamics of conflict? 

Research Title About Politics

  • The Heights of Discord: the Golan between Syria and Israel
  • The use of conventional weapons, and chemical or bacteriological weapons
  • The use of nuclear weapons
  • Exclusive use of conventional weapons
  • Wars of colonial liberation
  • International Wars
  • International regional wars
  • International bilateral wars
  • Direct and unilateral political violence
  • Common criminal violence
  • Political assassination
  • State terrorism in Kashmir
  • Human rights and political violence
  • Terms of damages to civilians
  • War and Violence in the Middle East
  • Youth violence in urban contexts
  • Collective action – Mechanisms of the dispute
  • Consciousness, values, identities and ideologies
  • Analysis of the weight of structures in the transition from traditional to modern society and from this to the current one

Conflict Resolution Research Topics

  • Challenges for social research and public policy
  • Studies on the post-conflict, coexistence and the role of civil society
  • Conflict studies
  • The conflict and the vicissitudes of building a national project
  • Modernization, conflict and democracy
  • Reconciliation and the role of Civil Society
  • Difficulties in carrying out fieldwork
  • Results of the fieldwork
  • The reconstruction of the conflicting events
  • The study of community conflict through biographical interviews
  • The observation of conflicting parties
  • Symbolic disputes, authority and representation
  • New intermediaries: migrant agents
  • Transnational communities: changes and continuities of communities
  • Social drama and contentious language
  • The community as a political and intermediary process
  • The community as a sense of belonging
  • Local government and system of uses and customs
  • Derivatives of a concept: the community in sociology and anthropology
  • The perspective of intersectionality for the analysis of intra-community conflict
  • Passion and political culture
  • Towards a proposal for the analysis of political conflict: the production of antagonisms
  • Analysis of international conflicts from the Sociology
  • Celebration between the different levels of analysis
  • Types and classification of elites
  • Analysis tools and methodological concepts
  • Agents, population and linear power relations
  • Power and power resources
  • Sociology of Power and conflict analysis

Good Topics in Political Science (Mediation and Negotiation)

Still looking for a research topic about politics? Check out this list. 

  • Restorative justice and reconciliation
  • International law and treaty law 
  • Race and ethnic relations
  • International organization for mediation and negotiations
  • International negotiations
  • Mediation: skills and applications
  • Negotiation: skills and applications
  • Understand the conflict
  • Basic course on mediation and conflict resolution
  • Argumentation and critical thinking
  • Presence and involvement of the parties in the resolution of the dispute
  • Difficulties and dilemmas in the political processes of mediation and negotiation
  • Preliminary questions on political mediation and negotiation
  • Collecting the relevant information to negotiate
  • Behavior and positions of those involved in the negotiation
  • General policies, established by those who promote the negotiation
  • Identification of contingencies and their probability of occurrence
  • Specific policies that are applicable to the negotiation itself
  • Challenges Of Business Mediation in Europe
  • Would Mediation Be Adequate and Beneficial for Resolving Business Disputes?
  • Application And Development of Business Mediation
  • Business Mediation
  • Principles Of Mediation
  • Conciliation, Mediation, Negotiation and Arbitration

Conflicts In Politics Research Topics

  • Contemporary history cold war
  • Political studies and conflict resolution
  • Comparative analysis of public policies and actions aimed at health promotion and prevention of Covid-19
  • International Conflicts: Manners of Solution and International Humanitarian Law
  • International Conflict Resolution Means
  • Diplomatic or Political Media
  • International Humanitarian Law of War
  • Basis of the Obligation of International Humanitarian Law of War
  • Juridical-Legal Basis of International Humanitarian Law
  • Geneva Convention to improve the fate of the Wounded and Sick of the Armed Forces in Campaign
  • II Geneva Convention to improve the fate of the Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked of the Armed Forces at Sea
  • Relative to the protection of victims of International Armed Conflicts
  • Relative to the protection of victims of non-international armed conflicts
  • Mechanisms to control compliance with International Humanitarian Law in armed conflicts
  • Role Played by the International Committee of the Red Cross
  • Time of Peace: Complies with the teaching and dissemination of the norms of International Humanitarian Law
  • Sanctions for Non-compliance with International Humanitarian Law
  • Criminal Responsibility of the Individual

Comparative Politics

  • Islamist regimes: the case of Iran
  • The democratic institutions
  • The crisis of democracy
  • The quality of democracy
  • The processes of transition and democratic consolidation
  • The political transitions in Eastern Europe
  • The Westminster model and the Westminster model of democracy consensus
  • The parliamentary regime, presidential regime, semi-presidential regime and semi-parliamentary
  • The concept of democracy
  • Communist regimes: the case of China
  • Populist and nationalist regimes
  • Traditional and tribal systems
  • The military and civil-military dictatorships
  • Authoritarian and totalitarian regimes
  • The formation of political systems in Europe and the USA
  • Neocolonialism and economic dependence on the Third World
  • Reform and revolution
  • The construction of the nation-state in Africa and Asia
  • The institutionalization of power
  • The process of political modernization
  • Dynamics of political systems: development and change
  • Cultural and political socialization
  • Social groups: pressure groups and social movements
  • The socioeconomic structure: market and planning
  • The social environment of political systems
  • Political system and decision process
  • Dynamic and institutional comparability
  • Research methods in political science

No doubt political science gives you a lot of options for research. But you have to pick a good one which will guide you in the right direction. Hopefully this blog post has helped you pick a topic or two to work on. 

If you still have problems choosing a topic or dealing with political science assignments, do count on the professional expertise of  our writers .

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The Top 10 Most Interesting Political Science Research Topics

Coming up with good political science research topics may seem like a daunting task. Whether you’re interested in foreign policy, international conflict, or immigration policy, it is worthwhile to take some time to research and find out which topics are currently relevant before diving into research. You want a topic that is manageable and meaningful. After all, you are going to invest a good deal of time and effort in answering the central questions of your project.

In this article, we will show you ten examples of political science research topics for bachelor’s degree students. We also show you how to craft political science research questions that work. With this list of currently relevant political science research paper topics, you can be sure you’ll work on something meaningful and relevant.

Find your bootcamp match

What makes a strong political science research topic.

A strong research topic is original and relevant. It builds on previous studies published by reputable sources. It’s broad enough to be relatable but narrow enough to be unique. To get some ideas, you can explore the most recent topics published in Cambridge University Press’s American Political Science Review . It covers all areas of political science, from American politics to foreign relations.

Ask teachers from your academic department what they are currently writing about. Talk to your academic advisor if you can’t find a strong topic. Finally, make sure that your topic follows the guidelines set by your teacher.

Tips for Choosing a Political Science Research Topic

  • Pick a meaningful topic. The research will be more enjoyable if you find it personally interesting. For instance, if immigration policy is a topic of personal value to you, you can center your research topic around it and this will help you stay engaged in your research.
  • Discuss research ideas with classmates. They can help you find insight from a fresh perspective.
  • Make sure your topic has a manageable size. One of the major requirements for choosing a topic is making sure that it will be manageable. Explore some key questions in your chosen field until you narrow your own topic down to something you can take on successfully.
  • Use reputable sources. Choose authoritative articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Make sure you choose the ones relevant to your topic, whether that is democratic governments, the political behavior of a particular group, or a particular authoritarian regime.
  • Join the current scholarly debate. Make your topic part of cutting-edge research. Discussing things like current forms of government or current political events will help you ensure your chosen topic will contribute to salient issues of political theory as well as critical policy debates.

What’s the Difference Between a Research Topic and a Research Question?

A research topic is a focused area of study in a scientific field or subfield. The goal of the research question is to narrow down that area even further. By answering the research question, you contribute to understanding the topic. The research question guides your research and writing, leading you to make a contribution to that particular topic and field.

How to Create Strong Political Science Research Questions

Gather information on your topic to get familiar with the current research. Find an interesting aspect to explore. Identify the gaps in the research mentioned in articles about your topic. Now, try to find a question that would address that gap.

Start your question with what, why, when, or how. The question must be clear and focused. You can also use guides to develop a research question by narrowing the topic to help you get started.

Top 10 Political Science Research Paper Topics

1. building government capacity to address global environmental challenges.

Complex tradeoffs are part of environmental policy, especially in the 21st Century. Green technology investments can boost the economy and create jobs. But workers in the oil and coal industry will lose them. This is all part of an ongoing discussion about environmental protection and the political attitudes of different groups towards green policies.

The public will support climate policy only if the costs are fairly distributed. Governments have to generate transparent policies to earn the trust of the citizens. This controversial topic demands a good deal of research, an understanding of environmental policy, an analysis of policy outcomes, and the development of new political theories.

2. Influence of Social Movements and Advocacy Groups on Policymaking

The government often makes its policies behind closed doors. In response, social movements organize to get access to and take part in policymaking. Every representative democracy needs the participation of social movements and advocacy groups. They help to hold the American government accountable, ensuring the human rights of citizens are protected.

Social movements and advocacy groups have a powerful influence on public opinion, and can influence the political participation of specific groups. American politics has to consider their ideas to improve political attitudes. Political science researchers have to expand on this topic to understand collective action.

3. Effect of an Interdependent World on the Roles of Governments and Institutions

Many of the policy challenges at a domestic level are now global, and political leaders know this. Governments need policies to regulate institutions, promote international cooperation, and lessen political disputes. They need to train their workforce with a global mindset. This also has a direct impact on political campaigns and electoral politics.

As globalization influences the political development of all nations, government employees are now working on an international stage. They need knowledge of international relations to share knowledge and collaborate. Policymaking for an interdependent world is a relevant political science topic.

4. Prosperity and Equality Through Public Policy

The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging the financial stability of many families. Technological disruptions cause unexpected changes in the international markets. Clearly, we cannot take for granted the economic resilience of the country. The government uses economic policy to protect prosperity and equality. Economic development is a major topic in political science research.

5. Factors Influencing Policymaking Around Taxes, Regulation, and Trade

Tax policy affects economic development and social progress. Economic reform is part of the international conversation on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development . Trade regulation and immigration policies are frequently discussed in political science research, making them a great topic for any aspiring political scientist.

6. Influence of Gender, Race, Class, and Other Aspects of Identity on Policymaking

Diversity and intersectionality are becoming necessary topics in modern politics. Educational institutions and public companies are adopting equity and inclusion goals. The expectations for incorporating diversity in policymaking are higher than ever. Policymaking to prevent discrimination and create the grounds for fair immigration policy is a highly relevant topic.

7. The Role of Government in Providing Affordable Healthcare

Universal Health Coverage (UHU) is a World Health Organization (WHO) initiative to provide global access to healthcare services. The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving this goal.

The COVID-19 pandemic made clear the need for international cooperation in health. International relations theories have to change to make UHU possible. Global health policymaking is a pressing research topic in modern politics.

8. Mitigating Cyber Breaches And Security Challenges Through Policymaking

Countries are adopting cyber security strategies through policymaking. Some of them have a dedicated agency for cyber security. Worldwide, information and technology assets are growing in importance. Cyber security is now part of contemporary world politics and the economic development of nations.

Cyber regulation comes with a whole new set of policymaking challenges that contemporary world politics needs to tackle. It involves international cooperation and coordination. Policymaking to neutralize cyber threats is a growing topic in modern politics research.

9. Harnessing Data for Good Governance

Partnerships between public institutions and private companies facilitate the use of big data. This comes with several institutional challenges, like combining data sources. Regulating data access and addressing privacy concerns will need extensive policymaking. Modernizing data governance is a current topic in political science research.

10. Regulating Disinformation In the United States Through Public Policy

Americans are turning to social media and biased websites to make sense of politics. The proliferation of misinformation is fueling division and polarization, and can depress public confidence and discourage political participation. Regulating disinformation through public policy is becoming an urgent topic.

Regulating freedom of speech is not common in the American political tradition. Political scientists use cost-benefit analysis to find balanced solutions for these complex problems. There are growing opportunities for research on the topic of misinformation regulation and the role of government in the digital age.

Other Examples of Political Science Research Topics & Questions

Political science research topics.

  • Ethnic Conflict Between Americans and Arab-Americans in the United States
  • Telecommunications Policies in China
  • The Supreme Court and Reproductive Rights
  • The Evolution of Affirmative Action Initiatives
  • The Development of a Constitutional Right of Privacy

Political Science Research Questions

  • How can public leaders balance political realities and policy priorities?
  • What developments in science and technology are changing political attitudes?
  • Will public-private partnerships change the approach of government to public problems?
  • How do policymakers navigate the tensions between private power and democratic values?
  • How can public policymaking integrate a human rights perspective?

Choosing the Right Political Science Research Topic

It is important to know how to choose a research topic if you want to pursue a political science degree . The right political science research topic is engaging and manageable. Choose a topic that is interesting to you. It will keep you engaged and motivated during the research process. Keep in mind that your initial research topic might change. As your expertise grows, your topic will become more precise.

Political Science Research Topics FAQ

Political science is a field of knowledge that studies political phenomena. American politics, political theories, and international politics are common topics in political science. Political scientists use comparative politics and policy analysis to improve public problems.

Political science research is important because it improves public policies and can lead to necessary legal reform. It helps citizens understand American politics and foreign policy issues. Research in political science improves international cooperation and global environmental policies, and helps us make sense of major world events.

Yes, you can get a political science degree online. You can get a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in political science without going to college. There are several online political science degree options from good universities. With a Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED), you can get a political science associate degree in two years.

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With a degree in political science, you can get a job as a legislative assistant or a campaign manager. Social media managers for political institutions are also in demand. With a graduate degree in political science, you can become a policy analyst or an urban planner. Political scientists can work in either academia or the private sector.

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Research Method

Home » 300+ Political Science Research Topics

300+ Political Science Research Topics

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.

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  • Oxford Bibliographies: Political Science This link opens in a new window Hundreds of annotated guides to recent scholarship in topics across all subfields of political science and international relations.
  • Oxford Research Encyclopedia: Politics Provides up-to-date, peer-reviewed surveys of major topics, theories, and research questions across all areas of political science.
  • Oxford Research Encyclopedia: International Studies These peer-reviewed articles cover major topics, theories, and research questions across many subfields of international studies/international relations, like conflict, security, human rights, diplomacy, etc. This is the follow-up to the International Studies Association's International Studies Encyclopedia Online .
  • Oxford Handbooks Online These handbooks provide a great source for authoritative reviews of research across political science, political theory, and related disciplines. Most of these we also have in print.
  • Routledge Handbooks Online This link opens in a new window These handbooks provide overviews current research and future trends in the social sciences and humanities, with a strong collection in politics, particularly international relations and area studies.
  • Annual Review of Political Science This link opens in a new window Comprehensive review of the literature in political science. Can help students identify major tends in the field as well as find general overviews of research in specific subject areas of politics.
  • Elgar Research Handbooks Online Large collection of handbooks on topics across political science and public policy.

Political Theory Sources

  • Cambridge Collections Online This link opens in a new window Searchable full text access to the complete Cambridge Companions to literature, philosophy, religion, and classics.
  • Philosophy Compass This link opens in a new window Peer-reviewed survey articles on contemporary work in philosophy.
  • Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Authoritative source of full-text articles with current bibliographies on many topics of philosophy.
  • Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy Provides full-text articles with current bibliographies on virtually every aspect of philosophy.
  • Encyclopedia of Political Theory - Mark Bevir, ed. Thorough discussions of a diverse range of political theories and concepts.
  • Past Masters This link opens in a new window Searchable full-text works in several languages from major philosophers and theologians.

Major Encyclopedias Covering the Whole Discipline

  • SAGE Handbook of Political Science Published in 2020, this handbook provides a thorough overview of the discipline. Each of the 92 chapters gives a comprehensive overview of major topics within each subfield. Thematic sections include, Political Theory, Methods, Political Sociology, Comparative Politics, Public Policies and Administration, International Relations, and Major Challenges for Politics and Political Science in the 21st Century.
  • International Encyclopedia of Political Science (2011) Covers all aspects of politics, from political theory and methodology to political sociology, comparative politics, public policies, and international relations.
  • The Encyclopedia of Political Science Covers all areas of political science and provides medium-length entries with short bibliographies for further reading. Created under the direction of the American Political Science Association. Also in print at JA61 .E513 2011 (Trustee Reading Room Reference).
  • International Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral Sciences (2nd ed.) This link opens in a new window Covering 26 volumes in print, this major encyclopedia aims to capture the "state of the art" of the social and behavioral sciences, expanding its focus to include related biological fields, such as evolutionary science, genetics, cognitive neuroscience, psychiatry, and health. Topics include anthropology, archaeology, demography, economics, education, geography, history, law, linguistics, philosophy, political science, psychiatry, psychology, and sociology.
  • CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window Offers reports and analysis on a variety of current policy issues. Includes background information, pro/con debates, and a chronology, plus resources for additional research.
  • Facts On File Issues and Controversies This link opens in a new window Explore current issues and events with in-depth articles made to inspire thought-provoking debates. Topic pages feature the latest related news coverage from Reuters® as well as a variety of helpful background information, from the key pro/con arguments to chronologies of related events to primary documents. Updated weekly. 1995–present.
  • World News Digest (Facts on File) This link opens in a new window Digest of major news stories around the world. 1940+

Need statistical help?

Firestone Library's Data & Statistical Services section has 2 full-time consultants and a group of advanced graduate students who can help you! See the DSS website to make an appointment with one of the consultants or find the schedule for their virtual drop-in hours.

If you're in the social sciences, the Politics Department's Program for Quantitative and Analytical Political Science also provides a Consulting Service to advise on research design, statistics, formal theory, and computational questions arising from your research.

The library also provides numerous training workshops on R, Stata, visualization tools, and GIS software.

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political theory research topics

Political Science Research Topics: Uncovering New Perspectives

  • Political Theory

Political Science Research Topics

Political Science Research Topics cover a wide range of issues, including power dynamics, governance structures, and political behavior. These topics delve into areas such as comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy.

Some popular research topics in political science include the impact of social media on political activism, the effectiveness of democratic institutions, and the role of gender in political decision-making. Other areas of interest may include the study of political violence, the influence of nationalism on state policies, and the dynamics of political parties in multi-party systems.

Researchers in political science often explore how political systems affect economic outcomes , the role of identity politics in shaping policies, and the impact of globalization on national sovereignty. These topics provide valuable insights into understanding and addressing the complexities of modern political landscapes.

The Evolution Of Political Science Research

Early approaches to political science research.

The early days of political science research were marked by a focus on qualitative analysis of historical and philosophical texts. Scholars delved into ancient political writings and analyzed the political systems of past societies to draw conclusions about governance and power dynamics. This was a crucial period that laid the foundation for the development of modern political science research methodologies.

Modern Methodologies And Techniques

In the contemporary landscape, political science research has evolved to incorporate a diverse array of methodologies and techniques. Quantitative research methods, such as surveys and statistical analysis, have gained prominence, allowing scholars to gather large datasets and draw empirical conclusions. Moreover, qualitative research approaches, such as case studies and ethnographic research, provide in-depth insights into complex political phenomena. The integration of these varied methodologies has enriched the field of political science research, enabling scholars to explore a wide range of political issues with depth and precision.

Impact Of Technology On Political Science Research

The advent of technology has revolutionized political science research, offering new tools and platforms for data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Big data analytics and machine learning algorithms have empowered researchers to handle large volumes of political information and uncover intricate patterns within datasets. The proliferation of digital platforms has enhanced online collaboration and communication among scholars, fostering a global exchange of ideas and research findings. Additionally, technological advancements have facilitated the creation of interactive visualizations and simulations, enabling researchers to present their findings in engaging and accessible formats.

Political Science Research Topics: Uncovering New Perspectives

Credit: phys.org

Changing Perspectives In Political Science Research

Political science research is continually evolving, with changing perspectives shaping the way scholars approach the study of politics and governance. In this blog post, we will explore the shifting landscape of political science research, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches, global and local influences, as well as the impact of current events on research topics.

Interdisciplinary Approaches

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches in political science research. Scholars are increasingly integrating insights from fields such as sociology, anthropology, economics, and psychology to gain a more comprehensive understanding of political phenomena. This interdisciplinary approach allows researchers to analyze political issues from multiple perspectives, enriching the depth and breadth of their findings.

Global And Local Influences

Political science research is no longer confined to national or regional boundaries. Instead, scholars are increasingly exploring the interconnectedness of global and local influences on political systems. This shift in focus allows for a more nuanced understanding of how global trends and events impact local governance, as well as how local contexts shape global political dynamics.

Influence Of Current Events On Research Topics

The dynamic nature of politics means that current events often shape the research agenda in political science. From geopolitical shifts to social movements, contemporary events influence the choice of research topics and methodologies adopted by political science scholars. This responsiveness to real-time developments ensures that political science research remains relevant and engaged with the pressing issues of our time.

Emerging Trends In Political Science Research

In the dynamic field of political science research, new and innovative trends are constantly shaping the way scholars understand and analyze the complexities of global politics. As the world faces unprecedented challenges, emerging trends in political science research are shedding light on crucial areas such as environmental politics and sustainability, social justice and equality, and comparative politics and international relations. These evolving themes are providing unique avenues for exploration and understanding within the realm of political science.

Environmental Politics And Sustainability

Environmental politics and sustainability have become paramount concerns as societies grapple with the urgent need to address climate change and environmental degradation. Scholars are delving into the intricate connections between political systems, policies, and environmental sustainability, seeking to understand how governments and international organizations can effectively tackle these pressing issues. Emerging research topics include the role of political actors in promoting environmental conservation, the impact of global agreements on environmental governance, and the intersection between environmental policies and social equity.

Social Justice And Equality

The pursuit of social justice and equality has garnered significant attention in political science research. Emerging trends in this field encompass a wide spectrum of topics, including the examination of policies aimed at reducing inequality, the evaluation of political systems in fostering inclusive societies, and the role of grassroots movements in advancing social justice agendas. Moreover, scholars are exploring the impact of discrimination on political participation and the effectiveness of affirmative action programs in promoting equal representation in governance structures.

Comparative Politics And International Relations

Comparative politics and international relations remain integral areas of study within political science research. The evolving dynamics of global politics have prompted scholars to delve into comparative analyses of political systems, diplomatic relations, and transnational governance mechanisms. Emerging research in this domain encompasses diverse topics such as the influence of cultural factors on diplomatic negotiations, the role of non-state actors in international relations, and the impact of globalization on state sovereignty. Additionally, comparative studies on the effectiveness of different political systems in addressing global challenges have gained traction among researchers.

Exploring Contemporary Political Science Research Topics

In the ever-changing landscape of political science research, there are several contemporary topics that are gaining prominence due to their relevance in the modern political environment. These topics delve into the digital realm, the behavior and opinions of the public, and the analysis of governance and public policy. Here, we will explore these contemporary political science research topics in detail, shedding light on the latest areas of study and investigation in political science.

Digital Democracy And Political Participation

The digital revolution has significantly impacted political processes, creating new avenues for participation and engagement. In the realm of political science research, the study of digital democracy and political participation explores the impact of technology on political processes, the role of social media in shaping political discourse, and the implications of online platforms on citizen engagement. Researchers delve into the dynamics of digital democracy, analyzing the influence of digital tools on political participation and the ways in which they shape political outcomes. Highlighting the intersection of technology and governance, this area of study is pivotal in understanding the evolving nature of democracy in the digital age.

Political Behavior And Public Opinion

Political behavior and public opinion form the bedrock of political science research, delving into the intricacies of how individuals interact with the political system and form their opinions on various issues. Research in this area encompasses the study of voting behavior, political attitudes, and the factors influencing public opinion formation. Scholars investigate the impact of social, economic, and cultural factors on political behavior, drawing insights into the motivations behind individual and collective political actions. Understanding the nuances of political behavior and public opinion is crucial in deciphering the dynamics of political processes and the functioning of democratic societies.

Governance And Public Policy Analysis

Governance and public policy analysis constitute a significant focus in contemporary political science research, offering insights into the mechanisms of decision-making, policy implementation, and the evaluation of governmental actions. Researchers in this field analyze the structures and processes of governance, scrutinizing the role of institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders in shaping public policies. Moreover, the examination of public policy encompasses the assessment of policy effectiveness, the impact of policy decisions on various societal sectors, and the formulation of evidence-based recommendations for policy improvement. The study of governance and public policy analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of governing systems and the implications of policy choices on diverse segments of society.

The Future Of Political Science Research

In the rapidly evolving landscape of political science research, the future holds great promise and presents new challenges. As advancements in technology and changes in societal expectations shape the direction of the field, political science researchers must adapt and innovate to address emerging issues and opportunities. In this article, we will explore key areas of development that are set to influence the future of political science research.

Advancements In Data Analysis And Artificial Intelligence

The proliferation of big data and the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) have revolutionized political science research. With the ability to process and analyze vast amounts of information, researchers can discern complex patterns and correlations that were previously inaccessible. The integration of AI into data analysis tools has significantly enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of research methodologies, enabling scholars to uncover new insights and perspectives. Machine learning algorithms, in particular, have the potential to revolutionize predictive modeling and scenario analysis in political science, offering valuable foresight into future political developments.

Ethical Considerations In Political Science Research

As the capabilities of technology expand, ethical considerations in political science research become increasingly pertinent. The collection and use of data, particularly personal and sensitive information, raise concerns regarding privacy, consent, and data protection. Researchers must navigate the ethical dimensions of their work, ensuring that their methods are transparent, respectful of human subjects, and aligned with ethical standards. Addressing ethical considerations in political science research is crucial to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the field amidst evolving ethical norms and legal frameworks.

Anticipated Areas Of Growth And Development

  • Rise of computational political science, leveraging advanced computational methods to analyze political phenomena.
  • Increased emphasis on interdisciplinary research, fostering collaborations between political science and other disciplines such as sociology, economics, and environmental studies.
  • Integration of qualitative and quantitative research approaches, recognizing the complementary value of both methodologies in generating comprehensive insights.
  • Exploration of global political dynamics, with a focus on understanding the interconnectedness of geopolitical events and power structures.

The anticipated areas of growth and development in political science research highlight the expanding scope and depth of the discipline. By embracing technological innovations, addressing ethical considerations, and exploring new avenues of inquiry, political science researchers are poised to contribute significantly to our understanding of political phenomena and their broader societal implications.

Frequently Asked Questions On Political Science Research Topics

What are some trending political science research topics.

Political science research topics that are currently trending include the impact of social media on political movements, the role of climate change in global politics, and the influence of populism on democracy.

How Can I Choose A Unique Political Science Research Topic?

To choose a unique political science research topic, consider focusing on niche areas or underexplored themes within political science. Look for interdisciplinary connections and seek inspiration from current events and emerging global issues.

What Are Some Research Methods For Political Science Topics?

Research methods for political science topics include qualitative and quantitative approaches, content analysis, case studies, surveys, and interviews. The choice of method depends on the specific research question and the nature of the topic being studied.

In considering political science research topics, it’s important to explore diverse areas like comparative politics, international relations, and public policy. These topics offer a wide range of avenues for exploration and analysis, providing ample opportunities for insightful research and academic inquiry.

By delving into these areas, scholars can contribute to a deeper understanding of complex political dynamics and help shape future policy and decision-making.

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Political Theory

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Political Theory at Stanford approaches the study of justice, legitimacy, and power by conjoining normative theory (reflection on political values), positive theory (study of how values can be achieved by institutions), and the intellectual history of political thought (from Plato to Rawls). Among the topics with which our faculty and students are concerned are democracy, equality, rule of law, global justice, international relations, realism and idealism, education, deliberation, institutional innovation, and the organization of knowledge.

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Political Science Research Topics: 200+ Captivating Ideas

Political Science Research Topics

Students with politics major already understand the profound evaluation in the field of politics and potential power from the domestic, global and comparative outlook. Their supervisors ask them to write a dissertation paper that shows their understanding of the exposition of existential political ideas, behavior, schemes, and procedures and how the nation scrutinizes the law, foreign affairs, communities, and much more.

Political science exhibits theories and conventions of the nation. As a student drafting a political science research paper might be time-consuming, complex, and strenuous for you. Finding interesting political topics to write about can deter you. Your supervisor expects you to draft a concrete research paper, but how can you gather the strength to draft your paper when it seems like your biggest nightmare?

Don’t worry; we have selected 200+ advanced political science research paper topics to help you.

But before we dive into that section, how about understanding a few couples of things?

Table of Contents

Significance of Political Science Research Paper

Drafting an academic research paper is enormously challenging. It comes with many hurdles, but unlike other topics, political studies come with massive dynamics, and its tendency can shift to a great extent. The ideology of your approach and your entire paper makes a huge difference in your content. Political science research paper aims to understand polity-related matters to your readers better.

The excellent approach to drafting your political science research paper is to seek inspiration from your current environment. Don’t be afraid to dig deeper into controversial events. Don’t feel shy to provide a new perspective on the previous matters. Fortunately, when it comes to politics, the inspirations are already scattered around us. That’s why a political science research paper is significant in your academic year. A political science research paper is exceptional when it’s original and innovative. It includes much more than just synthesizing and drafting already published content. Researchers aim to prove to their supervisors that their research is worth publishing. A research work helps you to showcase why your research work is crucial and highlights important practical methods to solve those critical issues.

Limitations of a Political Science Research Paper

Since a research paper has enormous significance in your academics, you must provide accurate context with enough descriptions of your field of study. It helps you to evaluate the relevance and influence of your political study. A political science research paper   is not an easy task. The limitations in your research paper are the general flaws and shortcomings of your content. A research paper requires descriptive and comprehensive content; you do not want to present it with limitations and drawbacks. Your study might have multiple drawbacks and limitations. Keep reading to identify those limitations.

Implementation of Research Data and Statistical Collections:

Since you are a beginner in collecting primary data and information, there are huge chances that your implementation of the source collection procedure might be flawed . It is a potential  methodological  issue that can significantly impact your political research paper.

Conflicts Arising from a Biased Point of View:

Some researchers might hold biased perspectives because of their opinions of specific phenomena or cultural backgrounds. It has the potential to affect your political paper’s authority .  Besides, researchers with biased views of their data and results may support their theory and arguments. Pay considerable attention to the problem statement and effective data gathering.

Limited Access to Data:

Your political research may require the opinion of people and organizations; access to these respondents is extremely difficult for students. It might result in modification of your paper.

Time Constraints:

Needless to say, all research work comes with a deadline .  Researchers might have to submit a draft of their study or face trouble meeting the deadlines of their political science research paper. Time constraints can hugely affect the quality of your study.

Scope of Information:

Most likely, students do not have much understanding in conducting this complex research and writing a political research paper of such vast individuality. The depth and scope of a political paper are compromised at variable levels compared to experienced researchers with immense expertise.

Essential Factors for Choosing Political Science Research Paper Topic

When it comes to politics, some fields require comparison. Political science carries an empirical approach for variable political aspects. Before selecting your political science research topic, you must understand what fascinates you the most.

For starters, look over your local politics and analyze what you can dig out from there. Since the existing political dynamics are taking constant turns, you can use a fine piece of news to draft a magnificent research paper. It will make things much easier for you. However, if you still feel confused, we have listed a few steps that will guide you in selecting the best topic for your political science research paper:

Select the Topic Per Your Interests:

while narrowing down your topics, you must have already anticipated what political aspect fascinates you the most. Perhaps there is a topic that you find the most interesting. Identify those topics and start researching them. You can start narrowing down those political topics and begin studying them. While exploring those, remember not to dive into every detail regarding them. A little preliminary research would do the job.

Identify the Topics that Awaken Your Curiosity:

Writing a political science research paper does not imply you have to write something about an already published case. Instead, you are expected to write a magnificent work that makes everyone curious at every step of their reading. For that, you need to think about the political topics that always made you curious, but you didn’t have the time to explore more. It is your opportunity; use it to make an exceptional political science research paper.

Choose a Challenging Political Topic:

Selecting a challenging political topic will catch your supervisor’s and professors’ attention. They would want to read more about it. Although selecting a politically demanding topic can deter students as it involves a lot of research work. It increases your workload, But isn’t it worth it? A challenging political science topic would enhance your arguments and theories about it. An excellent research paper assures high grades in your academic year.

200 Political Science Research Topics

Our political world is exceptionally expansive. Thus, if you have chosen politics as your field, you know you have proclaimed an abundance of creative ideas for yourself. After getting a rough image of how you can draft your research, it’s time to pick up the scattered pieces and frame the big picture.

Some Amazing Political Science Topics

Suppose you want to understand how something as hideous and significant as political science can be fascinating. In that case, you first need to understand how reachable and astonishing even the most straightforward topics can be.

Nevertheless, if you lack ideas, here are a few great political science topics for your research paper:

  • Can we classify nationalism as the right school of leaders in history?
  • Post-war conflicts and art legacies
  • American foreign policies and their effects on the European policies in the 20th century?
  • Why is it vital for the news reporters not to be politically biased?
  • Fascism and its faces pre and post world war 2
  • Iran oil conflict and how did it devastate the oil market?
  • The political and the distribution structure of the Arctica island
  • Playing with principals in this political era
  • Choosing whom to betray? A compromise between left and right-wing parties.
  • Personal ambitions of our political leaders
  • Karl Marx: his life and influence on the politics of the 20th century
  • Voting made easy: what is the impact of technology on the voting process
  • Modern political culture and its dependency upon technology

Also, Read – Economics Research Topics

Comparative Politics Research Topic Ideas

It involves institutional analysis, domestic policy management, foreign issues, and much more. All these factors can be examined by comparative evaluation. Comparative politics research topics would help you make an authentic impression in front of your professors.

For a general idea, you can take a look at these given topics and choose the best one that you like the most:

  • The nature and significance of comparative politics.
  • A comparative analysis of the domestic policies of the UK and the USA
  • A detailed comparison of Abraham Lincoln’s lyceum address with modern political speeches
  • How would segregation have worked without Supreme Court?
  • Detailed comparison and contrast between foreign policies of the UK and Russia
  • Examine the communist structure of the USSR and China
  • Comparison and contrast of the Soviet Union’s ideology
  • Detailed analysis and the significance of the cultural gap between China and Japan
  • Examination of the cultural revolution in the USSR
  • Examine the behavioral approach between the US and the UK
  • Comparative analyses of liberalism and republicanism
  • Examination of the American commercials films and hidden political messages in them
  • The triangular relationship between China, America, and India
  • Comparative review of the female education in Afghanistan
  • The economic battle between China and America
  • The complicated relationship between business and politics
  • Critical analyses of the American and European federal crimes
  • Critically analyze religion as a social power
  • Culture as a formidable social strength
  • Online crime shows and their impact on constructing crime
  • Comparative analysis of any of the two parties of your nation
  • Comparative analysis of politics
  • Authoritarianism and Totalitarianism: Strategies for democratization
  • Comparison between the American and the African political heritage
  • Comparative analyses of egalitarianism with utilitarianism
  • The reasons behind conflict and resolutions in the US
  • The modernization theory and the sociological study of developments
  • A decade of feminism: Relationship between women and the modernization theory
  • Research, theory, and realities of modernization
  • The methods and theories of comparative politics
  • Rationality, religion, and structure in comparative politics
  • New identical tools and methods in comparative political economy
  • The new comparatively political economy
  • Comparative analyses of the political economy of the UK and the USA
  • The theory and critique of the political economy
  • Concept and theories of global political economy
  • Theory of political economy of Karl Marx
  • Principles of comparative politics

Research Topics on International Politics

From international poverty to global ethics, human rights to environmental issues, globalization to international security, these things happening in the international arena cannot go unnoticed. If you are still considering topics for your  research proposal , international politics would significantly impact your research.

Here are some research-related topics that you might use in your political science research paper.

  • Detailed analysis of the human rights in Uganda
  • Syrian collapse: how did Syria end up between two political fronts?
  • Regional and political effects of Shiite jihad
  • Understanding global poverty causes
  • Injustice and resistance to global poverty
  • Mexico: the problem of forced and illegal migrants
  • Excluding illegal migrants from the USSR
  • Illegal migrants: why are the union citizens converting themselves into illegal migrants?
  • Capturing illegal migrants in Mexico, Thailand, and Malaysia
  • The causes and effects of the Syrian conflict
  • Russian aggression against Ukraine and its impacts
  • China: the new overlord of the 21st and 22nd century
  • The economic war between Russia and Ukraine: why does Putin remain tight to his chair?
  • Impacts of 2019 protests and how did it embrace the future of France
  • The characteristics and impacts of the sanctions imposed on Russia as the consequence of the aggression against Ukraine
  • European social model and the post-national Europe
  • Measurement of Global security network analysis
  • The battle of Syrian refugees and the race of legal status of the united states
  • A descriptive analysis of the international monetary fund structure
  • Perception and the misconception of the rational theory of the international politics
  • Global poverty crises and the Amnesty international controversy
  • Industry, war, and arctic circle battles
  • Research on international designs in political science
  • Political battles of ideas and discourses’ between nations
  • The feminists around the international political grounds
  • Comparison analysis of modern versus traditional international economy

Also, Read – Learn Important Steps to Write a Research Statement

Political Science Philosophy Research Topics

Everyone knows that political science research topics can be extremely fragile and complex. There are numerous ideas dispersed throughout your research paper. This polity section deals with the most abstract levels of government, liberty, legal code mechanics, democracy, and arguments involved in political opinion.

This subject is concerned with arguments and discussions on how society needs to be set up and what new implications should be applied.

Here are some of the philosophical and political topics to write about:

  • Nationalism versus philosophies
  • Role of Greek-Roman philosophers in building modern politics
  • Philosophies practiced by the Germans and Karl Schmidt
  • Writings and political philosophies of Karl Marx
  • Decision-making powers of the judicial
  • Why did Rome fail: A critical analysis of the declined empire
  • Comparative analyses of the modern and ancient political philosophy
  • Jean Bodin and his mixed critics of sovereignty
  • Globalization issues and political events that lead to Nazism
  • Introduction to contemporary political philosophy
  • Contemporary political philosophy: how it shaped and changed the modern political science
  • The traditional disciplines of political philosophy
  • Greek: the philosophical hotspot in ancient times
  • History of the western political philosophy
  • Anthropology of Western contemporary political philosophies
  • Social and political philosophies of the Rousseau
  • A contemporary analysis of the western political philosophies
  • The USA followed the similar Trajectory as Ancient Rome
  • Jean Bodin and his concept of sovereignty: what failed him to see about sovereignty
  • Modern capitalism: culture and critical features that define modern capitalism

Few Controversial Political Science Research Questions

There are a few topics that trigger a specific section of our society. It triggers controversies and is prone to up-heave variable issues. These issues consist of conflicts and controversies.

Here are a few controversial political science research questions and topic examples:

  • Amnesty International report : 2020-2021 The state of the world’s human rights
  • An international perspective on violence against women
  • The political response to terrorist attacks over the globe
  • Corruption: the impacts and how can police unions minimize it?
  • What is the nation doing to deal with the massive wave of immigrants?
  • The ideal punishment for rapists and serial killers
  • Measurement of the severity of the violence against women scale
  • Prevention of domestic violence against women?
  • The implications of controversies in politics
  • Gender identity and expression: what is the nation doing to prevent transgender people?

American Politics Research Topic Ideas

American politics is something that will never bore you. If you find American politics attractive, you can also consider choosing a topic from this section.

For starters, you can have a look at these few American politics research topic ideas:

  • African and American prisoner conflicts
  • Australia and America: how do the economic policies differ?
  • Political polarization in America during the Covid-19 pandemic
  • The political and economic battle between America and China
  • Challenges and opportunities associated with political polarization
  • Public relations of America with other nations
  • Role of the American Government in public relations with other nations
  • American government and its role in shaping its democracy?
  • Tools and the propaganda used by the American parties to win the elections?
  • Democracy in America: principles used by Americans to establish democracy in the nation
  • Comparative analysis of the current American parties to their 1960s predecessors
  • The impact of the American civil war on the modern American government
  • Foreign direct investment: Democracy and corruption in South America
  • Political corruption and reform in South America
  • American political culture: the vision of a developed society and redemption in modem America
  • Detailed analyses of the modern political structure of America
  • The congress and the court: the study of American political cultures
  • 1952-1996: the era of political decline of the American political parties
  • The consensus and Agendas of American politics.’
  • A history of the American political cultures
  • Political preferences and theories of the American Government
  • Agendas and polarization of American political cultures
  • The public relations actors in the American economic politics
  • Mass media and political elections
  • Transformation of American politics
  • The political evolution of America from the 1960s
  • False equivalences: online activism in theory and in practical
  • Online Activism, mediated politics, and social movements in contemporary America
  • The behavioral approach to the growth and development of contemporary America
  • Renaissance of the current political culture of America
  • Idea and concept of American political culture
  • The American Democracy: effects of 2020 elections on the American democracy
  • American Civil war: what were the political and economic crises that led to the civil war
  • American politics during the Civil war
  • The republican culture: how it was introduced and evolved in America
  • The economic and political relationships between America and North Korea
  • The significant place of Hispanic US politics currently
  • Importance of news coverage of US elections
  • Examine the analysis of the Donald Trump and Barak Obama administration
  • Security leadership conflicts post-9/11
  • Post 9/11, security collaboration and leadership conflicts
  • Establishing development to converse terrorism: post 9/11 transformation of US aid to Africa
  • The USA in preserving its national security
  • The conflicts of the American – African prisoners
  • American foreign policy and how it changed after the war?
  • Public opinion and the United States foreign policy
  • American heritage: the political history of the United States

Current Research Topics in Political Science

The field of political science focuses on the branch of empirical approach, using comparative methods. The current US politics is rocky, which makes it much more enthusiastic.

If you find the current events exciting and want to research more about them, we have selected the top 20 fantastic topics for you:

  • Attempt an analysis of the traits of typical American politics
  • Examine the analysis of the administration of Donald Trump and Joe Biden
  • Examine the role of American nationalism in the face of Globalization
  • Definition of social constructivism in the American context
  • Submit the evaluation of fraud in US elections
  • Life of African American politicians
  • Analyze the significant levels of minorities in the US
  • Law of the United States: the civil law traditions
  • Life of Jimmy Carter and his impact on America
  • Life of Saddam Hussein and the essential impacts on the American politics
  • The Vietnam War: what made it turn into the American war?
  • The US VS Russia: the political and economic similarities between Russia and America
  • Significance of falling to vote for shaping political tenures
  • Relationship between politics and the poverty in the Sub Sahara African politics
  • Significance of meme culture in building political awareness
  • Modern and Apartheid Segregation in modern America
  • Significance of the internet in shaping modern political awareness
  • The obligations and the rights of voters in Modern America
  • The Electoral College: should the American government abolish it or give it more power?
  • The Democrats and the Republicans: alike or the same?

Topics on Constitution and Constitutionalism

If you find these topics attractive, here are the top 9 topics regarding constitution and Constitutionalism:

  • Existential western constitutionals law
  • The constitutional vision of John Rohr
  • Existentialism in modern constitutional law
  • Constitutional laws: Why every state has different constitutional laws?
  • Duel constitutionalism and the amending process in America
  • The American Constitutionalism: the rights and liberties of an American citizen
  • Non-liberal Constitutionalism in the US
  • Revolutions in the American constitution
  • Constitution and Constitutionalism in modern America

Topics on Democracy and Democratization

Democracy and democratization refer to the transition to a more democratic political environment. Researching more about this would help you to draft a magnificent research paper.

If you already have a few ideas on your mind, that’s excellent, although if you still cannot figure out the topic, here are some impressive topics on democracy and democratization for you:

  • The incomplete democracy and democratization in America
  • Difference between presidential and parliamentary democracy
  • Explain liberal democracy justification
  • The democratic government: legitimacies of an authorized democratic government
  • A comparative analysis of the democracy laboratories of contemporary America
  • Prospects of democracy and democratization for globalization
  • The comparative politics and concepts of democracy and democratization
  • Radical democracy in America
  • The evolution of democracy to democratization
  • liberal prospects and the limitations of democratization

Conclusion –

When there are individuals involved, situations tend to become more complicated. It is why political research topics are complex to analyze and study.

Most students who plump for politics as their significant subjects do not only desire to become politicians. Instead, they prefer to become professional experts in politics, making them the future of our economy.

Considering you attended all your lectures and exemplified your research papers- you are already doing your best, and you will be fine. Nevertheless, if you still feel difficult to move forward with your research proposal, you can also consider seeking research paper help service from Edumagnate . They can guide you to build a good cornerstone for establishing political wisdom.

We salute those students and wish them good luck with the challenging hurdles coming ahead in their political science studies.

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Gov 63: Topics and Resources in Political Theory

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political science research topics

We know, every high school, college or university student needs some good, interesting political science research topics. After all, your grade depends a lot on the quality of the topic you choose. Your professor expects you to submit a well researched and well written essay on a topic that piques his interest. Finding such a topic can be much more difficult than you imagine. The good news is that our writers and editors have created a list of unique political science research topics for students of all ages. Why don’t you take a look at our list of ideas and pick one right now?

Choosing the Best Political Science Topics Possible

If you are looking for the best and most interesting political science topics, you have arrived at the right place. Choosing the topics that can earn you top grades is now easier than ever. All you have to do is go through our list (you have 16 categories to choose from) and pick the topics you like. All our topics are unique at the time this list was created. And the good news is that we are updating this list frequently to make sure we can help as many students as possible with original ideas. Also, our topics can be used for free. You don’t have to pay for them or give us credit, so why don’t you pick one right now:

A Hot Political Topic

If you are looking for a hot political topic, you can find several of them right here. Take a look at our list and pick any one of our topics:

  • Civil rights controversies in the United Kingdom
  • Freedom of speech in the United States
  • Talk about abortion and its political implications
  • Social security issues in Australia
  • Climate change and politics
  • Discuss the death penalty in the US
  • Censorship in China
  • Social security issues in African countries
  • Who should benefit from health insurance?
  • Should we adopt an universal minimum income?

Political Science Research Questions

  • Our creative writers though about some interesting political science research questions that you can answer in your next research paper:
  • What is the state authority?
  • What is a totalitarian government?
  • Is Vladimir Putin a dictator?
  • What are the benefits of a democratic government?
  • Why do we study political science in school?
  • What is comparative politics?
  • How do social changes influence the politics in your country?
  • What is communism?
  • What are the negative effects of anarchism?
  • Where does political power come from in the United States?
  • Is a dictatorship the same as a monarchy?
  • What makes a ruler a dictator?

Conflicts in Politics Ideas

Would you like to write an essay about conflicts in politics? We have some very interesting conflicts in politics ideas right here:

  • What are political disputes?
  • The best way to settle a political dispute
  • An in-depth look at the Vietnam War
  • How did the war in Afghanistan start?
  • The conflict between Joe Biden and Donald Trump
  • Propaganda techniques during political wars
  • Free speech and hate speech in political conflicts
  • Controversial aspects of a recent political conflict
  • Conflicts between politics and religion
  • Donald Trump versus Barack Obama

Easy Political Topics to Write About

We know you want to spend as little time as possible on your research paper . This is why we have compiled an original list of easy political topics to write about for you:

  • What are the traits of a career politician?
  • Discuss the concept of “political careerists”
  • What makes Saddam Hussein a dictator?
  • The story of Jimmy Carter
  • The life and achievements of Barack Obama
  • A Joe Biden biography
  • How did Arnold Schwarzenegger become a politician?
  • News coverage of elections in the UK
  • Analyze the relations between the US and North Korea
  • Compare and contrast liberalism and republicanism

International Relations Research Topics

Of course, we have some awesome topics related to international relations. Pick one of these international relations research topics and start working on your paper:

  • Relations between North and South Korea
  • An in-depth look at the Cold War period
  • Russia-China relations in 2023
  • China-US relations in 2023
  • What caused the war in Afghanistan?
  • The effects of nationalism in Germany
  • Foreign policies of Eastern European countries towards Russia
  • Discuss the rise in international terrorism
  • Protecting the environment globally
  • Analyze one of the many religious wars

American Government Research Paper Topics

We have some of the best and most interesting American government research paper topics right here. You’re free to use any one of them:

  • What caused the American revolution?
  • Politics during the Civil War
  • Discuss Republican traditions in the US
  • An in-depth look at election fraud in the United States
  • Disaster response in the US
  • What drives African American politicians?
  • Analyze American federal crime law
  • The US foreign policy in 2023
  • Discuss the Cold War

Interesting Political Science Research Topics

We know you want to get the most interesting political science research topics possible. Here is the complete list of ideas:

  • Discuss the constitutional vision of John Rohr
  • Analyze The Republic written by Plato
  • Research the politics in Ancient Rome
  • An in-depth analysis of the politics of Ancient Greece
  • Compare and contrast utilitarianism with egalitarianism
  • Analyze Social Contract (written by Jean-Jacques Rousseau)
  • Discuss the unequal relation between the public and the government

Public Law Topics

Interested in writing about public law? Of course, we have plenty of public law topics that you can use for your next essay:

  • Analyze constitutional law in your country
  • The peculiarities of administrative law in the United States
  • Differences between procedural law and private law in the UK
  • Tax law and criminal law versus private law
  • Discuss the role of mandatory rules in public law
  • Discuss the “public bodies act lawfully” principle of public law
  • Do all central and local governments have to obey public law?
  • What is the difference between public and private law in the US?

Comparative Politics Research Topics

We are certain your professor will surely appreciate any of our comparative politics research topics. Take a look at the list and pick the one you like the most:

  • Talk about conflict and revolution in the United States
  • Analyze 2 comparative parties in your country
  • What are comparative political institutions?
  • Define the concept of comparative politics
  • Compare politics in the United States with politics in the United Kingdom
  • Discuss direct and indirect binary comparisons
  • Talk about the modernization theory

Good Political Topics

This is a list of good political topics that should work great in 2023:

  • Analyze the national politics of a country of your choice
  • Why are international relations important for political science?
  • What gives legitimacy and authority in a democratic state?
  • Discuss political participation in your country
  • Compare and contrast political science with pure history
  • Factors that influence political behavior in the United States

Political Theory Research Topics

Yes, we know that talking about political theory is not easy. However, we have some political theory research topics that are relatively easy to write about:

  • An in-depth analysis of the Agrarianism political theory
  • An in-depth analysis of the Egalitarianism theory
  • Discuss the Phoenicianism political theory
  • What is Libertarian socialism‎ and where can we find it?
  • Research the topic of Zionism in 2023
  • Compare and contrast socialism with communism in Eastern Europe
  • Analyze 3 forms of government in use today

Current Research Topics in Political Science

Keeping up with the current events in politics may not be something you have time for. We do. Check out these current research topics in political science:

  • Talk about the innovations in the public sector in the UK
  • Analyze the 2019 Indian general elections
  • The Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023
  • Russia’s foreign policy towards Ukraine
  • Discuss the rise of ISIS in Afghanistan
  • Boko Haram’s expansion in Nigeria
  • The American retreat from Afghanistan
  • The US foreign policy towards China
  • Analyze the India-China border dispute

Informative Political Science Research Paper Topics

Our writers have put together a list of highly interesting and informative political science research paper topics. Check them out below:

  • Compare parliamentary and presidential democracy
  • Discuss the apartheid in South Africa
  • An in-depth look at the Vietnam War politics
  • The effects of the Syrian conflict
  • Imperialism in British Columbia
  • Colonialism in African countries
  • Discuss the Human Rights Act 1998 and its implications

Fresh Political Science Research Topic Ideas

Take a look at our fresh political science research topic ideas and choose the one that suits you best:

  • Talk about the retreat of American troops from Afghanistan
  • Talk about Joe Biden’s victory against Donald Trump
  • Analyze a totalitarian government
  • How did Vladimir Putin win 4 terms as president in Russia?
  • The politics behind the Israeli-Palestinian war
  • Discuss the role of mass media in political conflicts

Controversial Topics for a Political Science Research Paper

Why would you be afraid of talking about controversial topics? We have a list of easy controversial topics for a political science research paper right here for you:

  • Discuss signs of election fraud in the United States
  • Gender equality in politics
  • The climate change problem across the world
  • Politics and empty promises
  • The use of influence in politics
  • Are politicians above the law in the US?

Public Administration Topics

There are many things you can talk about when it comes to public administration. However, we feel that these public administration topics usually get high grades:

  • Discuss public service motivation in the United States
  • What is performance-related pay and how is it used?
  • Civil service reform in the UK
  • Analyze the public organizational behavior in your country
  • Community service in your county
  • Public administration and its link to social equity
  • Sustainability projects in public administration
  • Public administration: traits of a true leader
  • Crisis management procedures in your area

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The Department of Political Science

Adriana Orduña ’23 views the website for American Prison Writing Archive. She is one of several Hopkins scholars using the archive for research.

  • Research Theme on Racial Politics
  • Graduate Summer School on Racial Politics

Research in the Department of Political Science is organized around four subfields – American Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, and International Relations. The Department also pursues, hosts and collaborates with a series of research initiatives. Additionally, Political Science faculty are affiliated with a number of research centers and programs at Johns Hopkins University .

  • American Politics
  • Comparative Politics
  • Political Theory
  • International Relations

Affiliated Programs

  • Arrighi Center for Global Studies
  • Center for Africana Studies
  • Center for Economy and Society
  • Program in East Asian Studies
  • Program in International Studies
  • Program in Jewish Studies
  • Program in Latin American, Caribbean and Latinx Studies
  • Racism, Immigration, and Citizenship Program
  • SAIS-JHU Direct Admission to Master’s Program
  • SNF Agora Institute

Research Initiatives

Racial politics research theme.

The Department’s Racial Politics Research Theme explores how political science and its subfields treat race as an object of study and as an important axis of political thought, institutions, and behavior; how race has been “written out” of political science; and how we might rethink political science in order to grapple with both the discipline’s own history and the challenges of racial politics in the contemporary world.

The department hosts an annual Graduate Summer School on Racial Politics .

Associated Research Initiatives

  • The American Prison Writing Archive seeks to replace misrepresentation of prisons and imprisoned people with first-person witness by those living in legalized confinement.
  • Money/Power explores the mysteries of money, engaging with some of the crucial money problems that societies face today.
  • The Net-Zero Industrial Policy Lab combines the technical analysis of clean energy supply chains with the study of net-zero industrial policies to catalyze strategic collaborations between government and industry.
  • Rethinking the Right to the City through the Black Radical Tradition is a Mellon Foundation funded Sawyer Seminar which brings together intellectuals, organizers and artists to rethink the Marxist tradition through the Black Radical Tradition.

Workshops & Seminar Series

The political science department seminar series.

Faculty and graduate students convene weekly to build intellectual community with external speakers, faculty debates, and graduate focused topics (including practice job talks). The full program for the Fall 2023 Department Seminar Series can be found in  events .

  • There are no upcoming events.

Events Search and Views Navigation

Event views navigation.

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The 2023-2024 Political Theory Workshop

The 2023-2024 Political Theory Workshop brings together four core theory events featuring Hopkins’ graduate students and faculty and combines them with external theory guests speaking at the Political Science Department Symposium, the Seminar on Political and Moral Thought, and other occasional series.  

Across these events, political theory faculty and graduate students and a broader inter-subfield/inter-disciplinary group engage collegially with cutting-edge research and sustain critical conversations that enrich the subfield’s communal and intellectual life.  

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120 Catchy Political Science Research Topics – Choose The Best One!

Political Science Research Topics

Political science is a broad subject. Writing a college essay in this field can be complicated, especially if you are burdened with coming up with your own topic. Well, you can solve this problem by picking political science research paper topics that interest you. You also need to ensure that it follows the requirements of the assignment. If you are studying law, sociology, philosophy, or training to be an educator, you may need political topics to write about.

There are several categories to work with, including:

Comparative Politics

This field focuses on all empirical approaches, such as comparative methods. Domestic politics, diverse conflicts, and institution analysis are some practical examples of this field. When choosing comparative politics research topics, focus on the method of implementation of the political science problem analysis, and not on the subject.

Some comparative politics research paper topics include:

  • Foreign Policies of United States Vs. United Kingdom
  • Apartheid Phenomenon
  • A Study of the Anglo-Saxon Traits in the America Government
  • Chinese Communist Party Hierarchy
  • Soviet Union Ideology
  • Party Comparison – A Behavioral Approach
  • Presidential Vs. Parliamentary Democracy
  • Vietnam War Interests Aggregation
  • Recruitment in Developing Countries
  • Study of the Cultural Pressure Between Japan and the United States

International Relations

This field focuses on the controversies, conflicts, negotiations that occur in the world. It also encompasses other salient issues such as global poverty, human rights, globalization, environmental issues as well as security.

Some political science topics in this category include:

  • Human Rights in Malawi
  • Amnesty International Top Controversies
  • Arctic Circle Power Battles
  • Fund Structure of International Monetary Fund
  • Global Poverty Causes
  • Ethical Guidelines for NGOs
  • Syrian Conflict Cause-Effect
  • GM Foods Market Distribution
  • Non-State Facilitators in Japan Corporations
  • An Analysis of Global Security Networks

Philosophy Research Topics

This branch of political science focuses on government, liberty, justice, democracy, legal code mechanics, and other fundamental state legislation. Most essays on this field focus mote on how society is set up as well as the ethics that should apply there. It is a broad topic with lots to write on. Some include:

  • Causes of the American Revolution
  • Karl Schmidt Theses and German Philosophy
  • Neopatrimonialism Society Risks
  • Liberal Democracy Justification
  • Election Ethics
  • A Contrast of Liberalism and Civil Republicanism
  • Transition Methods In The Post Socialist Era
  • Republican Traditions in Education
  • Existentialism According to Western Constitutional Law
  • The Study of Mutual Tolerance as Political Virtue.

Public Administration

This study involves the study of daily functions of public administrators, government structures, and other agencies that implement laws and introduce policies. This field is linked to sociology and has several topics, including:

  • Community Development Methods
  • Governmental Efforts Coordination
  • John Rohr Constitutional Vision
  • Nonprofit organizations Ethics
  • Private Sector Innovations In the U.S
  • Environmental Management Compromises
  • Fiscal management and Strategic Planning
  • Administration Careers in Transportation Security
  • Optimal Benefits of Public Safety
  • An Analysis of the Federal Emergency Management Agency

Public Law Topics

This branch of political science studies the relationships between the public and the state. Its range is broad from topics like constitutional law, administrative law, criminal legislation, and taxes, among others. It is a lot different from private law that focuses on small groups, families, private businesses, as well as personal issues. This study deals with the relation of administrative authority with citizens. One notable example is a plea or review by a member of the society to the state authority. It may seem complex, but it has some pretty interesting topics, some include:

  • Human Rights Act 1998 – A Review
  • Criminal Law and Common Morality
  • Privacy Law or Commercial Exploitation?
  • Post-Conflict Justice Inequality
  • Civil Liberties and National Security Complaints
  • The System of Police Interrogation
  • European Legal History – Legislators
  • Custody Battles and Gender Bias Psychology
  • Judicial Review Argumentation Analysis
  • Police Interrogation and Socio-Economic Preferences

Researchable Topics In Political Science

This is the main focus of the subject and is an analysis or in-depth study of all the processes relating to politics. It involves a study of the causes and effects of issues, personalities of leaders to determine deeper issues. It covers a lot of sensitive topics but is unique due to its scientific approach and paper structure. Any topic chosen here should be researchable with adequate academic sources. Consider some of these topics:

  • Prosecution Ethics of Top Tier Officials
  • Is Criminal Pardon Acceptable?
  • European and American Federal Crimes Comparison
  • Differences Between Political and Armed Conflicts
  • Is Religion A Social Power?
  • Corruption Elimination Methods
  • Implementing Crucial Changes in Legislation Processes
  • Post War Social Movements
  • Federalism Traces in The Unitary Governance Model
  • The Interdependence of Modern Leaders

Political Theory

Theorists in this field are important, and so they take the forefront. The legacies of such theorists make excellent topics for political science essays. Most political science research question examples cover the works of political science theorist’s legacies. It doesn’t offer any answers to global problems, but it can make an interesting read. Here are some topic ideas:

  • John Austin Theory
  • Anarchism History Key Figures
  • Frederic Bastiat Theses
  • Liberty and Justice Challenges
  • Aristotle Philosophy on the Theory of Governance
  • Analysis – The Republic By Plato
  • Jean Bodin on Sovereignty
  • Vladimir Lenin and Communism Approach
  • Edmund Burke’s Classic Theories
  • The Disciplinary Power of Foucault

Conflicts In Politics

This can range from elections and economic battles to country interests when it comes to natural resources. This branch focuses more on social issues, and professors recommend picking such topics. Consider the countries that are currently in the middle of conflicts. Observe the cause and effects of the conflict at different stages. Some research topics include:

  • Afghanistan Conflict
  • Social Networks and Protest Movements
  • Mexico and Immigrants Crisis
  • Syrian Government Repression
  • Civil War Causes and Peculiarities
  • Reagan’s Political Agenda
  • Iraq War and History of War Crimes
  • Yemen Conflict Resolution Methods
  • War In Donbas: Russia’s Aggression In Ukraine
  • Causes of Rebellion in the Central African Republic

Conflict Resolution

This subject focuses on the peaceful methods of resolving conflicts such as gender bias in offices, custody battles, and even international conflicts involving several countries. These conflicts often relate to project topics under social studies since there is a socio-cultural argument, to begin with. The conflict is analyzed using a methodology , strong thesis, background, and clear structure. Below are some topics to help you pick what to work with:

  • Conflicts of African American Prisoners
  • Arctica Power Distribution
  • Iran Oil Conflict
  • News Coverage Media Bias
  • The United States Foreign Policy
  • Political Leaders and Their Personal Ambitions
  • Concession Between Right- and Left-wing Parties
  • Post-War Countries Issues Art Legacy
  • Security Leadership Conflicts After 9/11
  • Afghanistan Collaboration Methods

Mediation And Negotiation

Negotiation is similar to arbitration but is less formal. It focuses on finding a suitable compromise to resolve issues. Some topics under this field include:

  • Volunteering and Social Movements
  • War Time Negotiation Methods
  • American Modern Whistleblowers
  • Transnational Corporation Legal Clashes
  • Mediation Hearing Preparation Process
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods
  • Elections Agenda Analysis
  • Mediation policies Vs. Civil Law Court
  • Hostage Care in Foreign Countries Negotiation
  • Case Study Analysis of Mediation Agreement

Other Topic Ideas To Explore

  • Political Psychology
  • Culture and Politics
  • An Overview Of Political Science
  • Famous Political Decisions
  • Terrorism as A Political Instrument
  • Civil Wars Causes and Consequences
  • An Overview Of Populism
  • Social Movements In Politics
  • Different Types of Electoral Systems
  • The Similarities Of Totalitarian Regimes
  • Politics and Open Societies
  • Principles of Work in Divided Governments
  • Positivism: pros and cons
  • Politics in media
  • Rational Choice Theory
  • Cultural pluralism
  • Nationalism versus globalization
  • Constructivism: pros and cons
  • Public Relations in Politics
  • Politics and Corruption

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957 Political Science Research Topics & Essay Ideas

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Political science research topics cover many fascinating arenas, like comparative politics, public administration, international relations, political theory, and public law. Some themes may explore the impact of social media on political campaigns, scrutinize the role of diplomacy in conflict resolution, or examine voter behavior patterns. Others may study the influence of lobby groups on policy-making, delve into feminist political theory, or analyze civil rights movement strategies. Each topic necessitates a comprehensive understanding of political dynamics, historical contexts, legal statutes, and sociological implications. As a discipline, political science allows researchers to dissect democratic institutions, dissect policy processes, and uncover the forces shaping political landscapes worldwide. As a result, political science research topics create a good forum for discussion, fostering the growth of well-informed, critical thinkers capable of contributing to the ever-evolving political discourse.

Hot Political Science Topics

  • Democracy’s Future in the Digital Age
  • Autocracy Trends in the 21st Century
  • Rise of Populism: Understanding the Global Shift
  • Globalization: Consequences for Sovereign States
  • Effectiveness of Sanctions as a Policy Tool
  • Campaign Finance Regulations: Corruption and Transparency
  • Influence of Fake News on Political Elections
  • Political Psychology: Voter Behavior and Persuasion Tactics
  • Effects of Polarization on Political Discourse
  • The Intersection of Climate Policy and Geopolitics
  • Influence of Identity Politics on Public Policy
  • The Shift in Power Dynamics: Emergence of China
  • Technological Surveillance: An Examination of Privacy Rights
  • Analysis of Modern Welfare State Models
  • Political Implications of the Refugee Crisis
  • Pandemics and Their Effect on Political Stability
  • Political Corruption: Detection and Deterrence
  • Artificial Intelligence and Political Decision-Making
  • Gender Representation in Politics: Progress and Challenges
  • Constitutional Changes and Political Stability

Political Science Research Topics & Good Essay Ideas

Simple Political Science Topics

  • Fundamentals of Democracy
  • Examination of a Monarchy
  • Political Systems: Autocracy vs. Democracy
  • Essentials of Election Campaigns
  • Polarization in Politics: A Basic Understanding
  • Concepts of Political Corruption
  • Understanding Political Ideologies: Socialism, Capitalism, and Beyond
  • Basic Principles of Public Policy
  • Gender in Politics: Basic Overview
  • Study of Political Parties in a Democracy
  • Constitutional Law: An Introduction
  • Elements of Political Geography
  • Comparison of Welfare State Models
  • Immigration Policies: An Overview
  • Introduction to Political Psychology
  • Election Systems: A Comparative Study
  • Basics of Climate Policy and Politics
  • Foreign Policy: Principles and Practice
  • The Function of Political Institutions: A Study

Interesting Political Topics

  • Intricacies of Populism in Modern Politics
  • Intersectionality in Contemporary Political Discussions
  • Climate Change Policy and Its Global Ramifications
  • Social Media and Its Transformative Influence on Political Campaigns
  • Emerging Trends in Women’s Political Leadership
  • Beneath Political Propaganda: Strategies and Outcomes
  • Cybersecurity in Politics: A Modern Threat
  • Human Rights Advocacy as a Political Tool
  • Cryptocurrency Regulations: A New Political Challenge
  • Post-Colonial Politics: Case Studies From Around the World
  • Political Power in Mega Corporations: A Study
  • Resurgence of Nationalism in Global Politics
  • Diplomacy in the Space Age: Extraterrestrial Politics
  • Political Dimensions of Global Health Crises
  • Changing Landscapes of Political Censorship
  • Anomalies in Democratic Systems: A Fascinating Exploration
  • Power Dynamics in Political Unions: The European Union Example
  • Influence of Political Satire on Public Opinion
  • Politics of Food Security in a Globalized World
  • Political Implications of Artificial Intelligence and Automation

Political Science Research Topics

Environmental politics research topics.

  • Green Energy Policies: Global Perspectives and Practices
  • Intersections of Indigenous Rights and Environmental Protection
  • Analysis of Transnational Environmental Agreements
  • Climate Change and Diplomatic Strategies: A Study
  • Geopolitical Tensions in the Arctic: Environmental Considerations
  • Environmental Justice Movements: A Comparative Study
  • Carbon Tax Implementation: Challenges and Solutions
  • Plastic Pollution Policies: A Global Overview
  • Exploring Climate Refugees: Ethical and Political Implications
  • Sustainable Development Goals: Successes and Shortcomings
  • Urban Planning and Environmental Politics: New Approaches
  • Climate Change Denial: A Socio-Political Analysis
  • Environmental Politics in Post-Conflict Zones
  • Ecoterrorism: Definition, Cases, and Political Responses
  • Water Security and Its Political Dimensions
  • Analysis of the Green New Deal: Prospects and Challenges
  • Sustainable Tourism Policies: Lessons Learned
  • Policies on Nuclear Energy: Environmental Risks and Rewards
  • Corporate Social Responsibility in Climate Change Mitigation
  • Biodiversity Conservation Policies: Case Studies and Analysis

Foreign Policy Research Topics

  • Navigating Soft Power in Contemporary International Relations
  • Cybersecurity and Foreign Policy: New Age Challenges
  • The Interplay of Human Rights and Foreign Policy
  • Deconstructing Neocolonialism in Modern Foreign Policy
  • Analysis of Economic Sanctions as a Policy Tool
  • Understanding the Politics of Humanitarian Intervention
  • Climate Change Diplomacy: Challenges and Prospects
  • Decoding Diplomatic Rhetoric: A Discourse Analysis
  • Bilateral Relations and Power Asymmetry: Case Studies
  • International Law in Foreign Policy Development
  • Non-State Actors in Foreign Policy Formulation
  • Unpacking Nuclear Diplomacy: An Analysis
  • Pivoting Towards Asia: A Shift in Global Dynamics
  • Geopolitics of Space: Implications for Foreign Policy
  • Trade Wars in the 21st Century: A Critical Review
  • Analysis of Terrorism and Foreign Policy Responses
  • Religion and Foreign Policy: An Underrated Relationship
  • Oil Politics: Foreign Policies of Petroleum-Rich Nations
  • Diplomatic Immunity: Origin, Issues, and Relevance Today

Gender and Politics Research Topics

  • Intersectionality in Political Representation
  • Queer Theory and its Political Relevance
  • Glass Ceiling in Political Leadership: A Comprehensive Review
  • Analysis of Gender Mainstreaming in Public Policies
  • Women’s Political Participation: Cross-Cultural Perspectives
  • Gendered Aspects of War and Peace Negotiations
  • Politics of Sexual Orientation: Legislative Progress and Setbacks
  • Transgender Rights: A Study in Political Advocacy
  • Feminist Movements: Confronting Political Barriers
  • Violence Against Women: Political Responses and Ramifications
  • Gender and Political Ideologies: A Comparative Study
  • Understanding Masculinity in Political Leadership
  • LGBTQ+ Representation in Electoral Politics
  • Gender Quotas in Politics: Benefits and Drawbacks
  • Feminization of Poverty: Political Causes and Solutions
  • Women in Diplomacy: Challenges and Triumphs
  • Dissecting Gendered Discourse in Political Campaigns
  • Transnational Feminism and Political Activism
  • Sexual Harassment Laws: Political Challenges and Triumphs
  • Patriarchy in Politics: Roots and Reproduction

Human Rights Research Topics in Political Science

  • State Sovereignty vs. Human Rights: Navigating the Balance
  • Influence of International Human Rights Treaties on National Legislation
  • Human Rights Advocacy: Examining the Effectiveness of Non-Governmental Organizations
  • Child Soldier Rehabilitation and its Political Dimensions
  • Censorship and Human Rights: A Deep Dive Into Freedom of Speech
  • Understanding the Politics of Genocide Recognition
  • Human Trafficking: Policies and Political Challenges
  • Ethnic Cleansing: Causes, Consequences, and International Response
  • Humanitarian Interventions: Justifications and Repercussions
  • Rohingya Crisis: An Analysis of International Human Rights Violations
  • Transnational Corporations and Human Rights Abuses
  • Climate Refugees: A New Challenge to Human Rights
  • Political Asylum Policies: Comparative Study Across Countries
  • Analyzing Human Rights Violations in North Korea
  • Refugee Rights and State Policies: Case Studies From the Middle East
  • Indigenous People’s Rights: Political Barriers and Progress
  • The Politics of Human Rights in Post-Apartheid South Africa
  • Disability Rights: Global Political Progress and Challenges
  • Politics of Gender-Based Violence: A Global Perspective

Immigration and Citizenship Research Topics in Political Science

  • Immigration Policies: Comparative Analysis Between the US and the EU
  • Examining the Political Rhetoric Around Immigration
  • Assimilation vs. Multiculturalism: A Study in Immigration Strategies
  • Citizenship by Investment: Ethical and Political Implications
  • Climate Change Refugees: Legal and Citizenship Challenges
  • Investigating the Politics of Border Controls
  • Pathway to Citizenship: Evaluating Policies for Undocumented Immigrants
  • Refugee Crisis: International Policies and Responsibility Sharing
  • Economic Outcomes of High-Skilled Immigration
  • Political Backlash Against Immigration: A Study on Populist Movements
  • Immigrant Detention Centers: Human Rights and Political Perspectives
  • Exploring the Concept of Global Citizenship
  • Asylum Seekers: Navigating Legal and Citizenship Processes
  • Dual Citizenship: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Political Implications
  • Immigration and National Security: An In-Depth Analysis
  • Sanctuary Cities and their Role in Immigration Policy
  • The Effect of Immigration Policies on International Relations
  • Immigration Reforms: Lessons Learned From Comprehensive Immigration Reform Attempts
  • Migration Patterns and Climate Change: Implications for Citizenship
  • Birthright Citizenship: A Comparative Study of Jus Soli and Jus Sanguinis Policies

International Organizations Research Topics in Political Science

  • International Organizations: Power Dynamics and Decision-Making Processes
  • UN Security Council Reform: Perspectives and Challenges
  • The Legitimacy of International Organizations: An In-Depth Analysis
  • World Trade Organization and Global Trade Politics
  • Human Rights Monitoring by International Organizations
  • International Monetary Fund and Global Financial Stability
  • Comparative Study of Regional International Organizations: EU, ASEAN, and AU
  • Peacekeeping Operations: Examining the Effectiveness of UN Intervention
  • Examining the Politics of Climate Change in International Organizations
  • Public Health and International Organizations: WHO and Global Health Governance
  • International Organizations and Cyber Security: Challenges and Solutions
  • Conflict Resolution: Mediation Strategies of International Organizations
  • International Criminal Court: Achievements, Challenges, and Future Directions
  • World Bank’s Approach to Global Poverty Reduction
  • Humanitarian Aid Distribution: The Role of International Organizations
  • Accountability and Transparency in International Organizations
  • International Labor Organization and Global Labor Standards
  • Examining the Interplay Between National Sovereignty and International Organizations
  • Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Influencing International Policy

Political Communication Research Topics

  • Political Communication in the Digital Age: An Analytical Overview
  • Media Framing and Public Opinion: A Critical Investigation
  • Crisis Communication Strategies in Political Scandals
  • Digital Diplomacy: New Avenues for International Political Communication
  • Citizen Journalism and its Influence on Political Discourse
  • Interpreting Political Rhetoric: A Discursive Analysis
  • Impact of Political Advertising on Voter Behavior
  • Social Media Algorithms and their Influence on Political Polarization
  • Analysis of Political Propaganda Techniques in the 21st Century
  • Strategies of Political Persuasion in Election Campaigns
  • Political Debates: Analyzing Communication Styles and Their Effectiveness
  • Understanding Political Spin: The Art of Shaping Public Perception
  • Satirical News Shows and Their Contribution to Political Communication
  • Visual Semiotics in Political Advertising: A Comprehensive Study
  • Role of Radio in Political Communication in Developing Countries
  • Political Memes and Their Influence on Contemporary Political Discourse
  • Decoding the Language of Political Apology: A Critical Study
  • Political Communication and Public Relations: Strategic Intersection
  • Populist Communication Strategies in Contemporary Politics
  • Exploring the Politics of Silence: When Politicians Choose Not to Communicate

Political Conflicts Research Topics

  • Ethnicity and Political Conflicts: A Detailed Inquiry
  • Cyber Warfare: The New Frontier of Political Conflicts
  • Resource Scarcity as a Catalyst for Political Conflicts
  • Mediterranean Migrations: Unraveling Conflicts and Political Unrest
  • Proxy Warfare: Understanding the Dynamics of Contemporary Political Conflicts
  • Frozen Conflicts: Analyses of Post-Soviet Political Disputes
  • Examining Political Conflicts in Post-Brexit Europe
  • Climate Change and Emerging Political Conflicts: An In-Depth Study
  • Political Conflicts in the Age of Information: Social Media’s Role
  • Tensions on the Korean Peninsula: Unveiling the Layers of Political Conflict
  • Ethnoreligious Conflicts: Analyzing Political Complexity in Nigeria
  • Post-Colonial Political Conflicts in Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Unraveling the Roots of the Israel-Palestine Political Conflict
  • Sectarian Politics: Understanding the Shia-Sunni Conflict in the Middle East
  • Geopolitical Conflicts in the South China Sea: Power, Sovereignty, and Resources
  • Politics of Partition: Analyses of India-Pakistan Conflicts
  • Territorial Disputes in the Arctic: Analyzing Emerging Political Conflicts
  • Economic Sanctions as a Tool in Political Conflicts: Case Studies
  • Analyzing Political Conflicts through the Lens of Game Theory

Political Parties and Elections Research Topics

  • Electoral Integrity in Developing Democracies: An In-Depth Study
  • Polarization of Political Parties in the United States: Causes and Consequences
  • Campaign Financing: Unpacking Influence on Party Politics
  • Populist Parties in Europe: A Comparative Study
  • Digital Media Strategies in Election Campaigns: Exploring Their Effectiveness
  • Political Parties and Civil Society: An Analysis of Interplay
  • Electoral Systems and Minority Representation: Lessons From Around the World
  • Gender and Political Representation: A Case Study of Scandinavian Parties
  • Power Dynamics Within Political Parties: An Organizational Study
  • Brexit and the Realignment of British Politics: A Detailed Investigation
  • Minority Parties in Coalition Governments: A Comparative Analysis
  • Gerrymandering and its Consequences on Electoral Outcomes: Case Studies
  • Electoral Behavior and Political Socialization: An Empirical Study
  • Emerging Political Parties in Post-Soviet Nations: Case Studies
  • Campaign Promises and Policy Implementation: An Evaluation of Credibility
  • Machine Politics in the American Political Landscape: A Historical Review
  • Local Elections and Party Politics: The Dynamics of Devolution
  • Political Parties and Ethnic Diversity: Lessons From South Africa
  • Redistricting and Its Influence on Electoral Outcomes: A Detailed Study
  • Voting Systems and Political Party Success: A Comparative Study

Political Psychology Research Topics in Science

  • Political Decision Making and Cognitive Biases: An Analytical Study
  • Emotional Intelligence and Leadership in Politics: Unpacking the Connection
  • Terror Management Theory and Nationalism: A Critical Examination
  • Group Dynamics in Political Protests: A Social Psychology Perspective
  • Political Socialization and Parental Influence: An Empirical Analysis
  • Identity Politics and Psychological Motivations: An In-Depth Inquiry
  • Cognitive Dissonance and Political Attitudes: Exploring the Link
  • Fear and Politics: How Politicians Manipulate Public Emotions
  • Personality Traits and Political Ideologies: A Comparative Study
  • Racial Resentment and Political Attitudes: A Psychological Perspective
  • Narcissism in Political Leaders: A Comprehensive Analysis
  • Moral Foundations Theory and Political Judgement: Case Studies
  • Religion and Political Behavior: A Psychological Examination
  • Emotions and Voting Behavior: Unpacking the Influences
  • Social Identity Theory and Nationalism: A Detailed Study
  • Partisanship and Cognitive Dissonance: A Psychological Study
  • Political Conspiracy Theories: A Psychological Analysis
  • Media Consumption and Political Attitudes: A Psychological Investigation
  • Dichotomous Thinking and Political Polarization: An Analytical Study
  • Public Opinion and Mass Persuasion: A Study in Political Psychology

Political Science Philosophy Research Topics

  • Deconstructing the Concept of Political Power in Foucault’s Discourse
  • Hobbes and the Philosophy of Political Realism: A Critical Analysis
  • John Rawls’s Theory of Justice: An Exhaustive Evaluation
  • Examining Democracy through the Lens of Plato’s Republic
  • Hannah Arendt on Power, Authority, and Freedom: A Comprehensive Inquiry
  • Relevance of Rousseau’s Social Contract Theory in Contemporary Politics
  • Interpreting Marx’s Theory of Historical Materialism and Its Political Implications
  • Libertarianism and Its Critique: An Exploration Into Nozick’s Anarchy, State, and Utopia
  • Machiavelli’s The Prince and the Notion of Political Pragmatism: A Critical Study
  • In-Depth Analysis of Hannah Arendt’s The Human Condition and its Political Insight
  • Nietzsche’s Will to Power: A Study in Political Philosophy
  • Interpretation of Locke’s Two Treatises of Government and its Contemporary Relevance
  • Judith Butler and Politics of Gender: A Philosophical Exploration
  • Kant’s Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Inquiry Into International Politics
  • Analyzing Gramsci’s Hegemony Theory and its Influence on Political Philosophy
  • Utilitarianism in Bentham and Mill: Comparative Analysis of Political Philosophy
  • Habermas’s Theory of Communicative Action: Implications for Political Dialogue
  • Engels and the Dialectics of Nature: An Inquiry Into Political Ecology
  • Post-Structuralist Perspectives in Political Philosophy: Reading Derrida and Deleuze
  • Populism in the 21st Century: Analyzing Global Patterns
  • Cybersecurity and State Sovereignty: An Emerging Dynamic
  • Decoding Authoritarianism: An In-Depth Study of Autocratic Regimes
  • Neoliberalism and its Contestations: A Comparative Study
  • Analyzing the Dynamics of Global Power Shift From West to East
  • Influence of Digital Media on Political Participation
  • An Examination of Modern Conflict Resolution Strategies
  • Intricacies of Identity Politics in Multicultural Societies
  • Critique of Post-Colonial States: An Analytical Perspective
  • Delving Into the Politics of Climate Change and Sustainability
  • Assessing the Success and Failures of Decentralization Reforms
  • A Comprehensive Study of Women’s Representation in Politics
  • Emergence of Cryptocurrency and its Implications for Sovereign Power
  • Negotiating National Security in the Era of Terrorism
  • Understanding Ethnic Conflict: A Case Study Approach
  • Migration and Its Political Implications: A Global Analysis
  • Assessing the Politics of Healthcare in Developing Countries
  • Economic Sanctions as a Political Tool: Effectiveness and Consequences
  • An Investigation Into the Efficacy of International Law in Conflict Zones
  • Religion and Politics: An Examination of Interplay and Tensions

Political Science Research Topics on Comparative Politics

  • Parliamentary vs. Presidential Systems: A Comparative Analysis
  • Decentralization Strategies in Federations: Success and Challenges
  • Political Development in Post-Communist States: Shared Traits and Variations
  • National Identity and State-Building: Comparing Case Studies
  • Ethnic Conflict Resolution Strategies: Lessons From Diverse Regions
  • Assessing Democratic Transitions in Latin America
  • Economic Policies and their Political Consequences: A Cross-Country Study
  • Exploring Political Corruption in Emerging Democracies
  • Minority Representation in National Politics: A Comparative Perspective
  • Policy Responses to Global Warming: International Comparisons
  • Political Culture and Democratic Consolidation: An Analytical Study
  • Patterns of Autocratic Rule: Comparing Different Regimes
  • Public Health and Politics: Comparative Perspectives on Policy Making
  • Comparative Study of Refugee Policies: Global North vs. South
  • Colonial Legacies and State Formation: An Intercontinental Analysis
  • Gender Equality Legislation: A Comparative Study of Nordic Countries
  • Right-Wing Populism in Europe and America: A Cross-Regional Analysis
  • Transparency and Trust in Government: An International Comparison
  • Political Systems and Income Inequality: A Comparative Analysis
  • Indigenous People’s Rights and Representation: Global Perspectives

Political Science Research Topics on Conflict Resolution

  • Peacebuilding Efforts in Post-Conflict Societies: A Critical Evaluation
  • Inter-Ethnic Conflict Resolution: New Theoretical Frameworks
  • Diplomatic Intervention and Conflict Resolution: Case Studies Analysis
  • Beyond Ceasefires: Long-Term Solutions to Armed Conflicts
  • Third-Party Mediation in International Conflicts: Effectiveness and Challenges
  • Understanding the Dynamics of Peace Negotiations: An Analytical Approach
  • Religion as a Tool in Conflict Resolution: Opportunities and Limits
  • Democratization as a Strategy for Conflict Resolution: Successes and Failures
  • Role of Civil Society in Promoting Peace: Case Studies Review
  • Strategic Use of Economic Sanctions for Conflict Resolution
  • Post-Conflict Reconstruction and National Reconciliation: A Comparative Study
  • Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies: A Multi-Case Analysis
  • Addressing the Root Causes of Conflict: An In-Depth Study
  • Utilizing Sport as a Medium for Conflict Resolution
  • The Use of Technology in Mediating Conflicts: An Emerging Trend
  • Children and Youth in Conflict Resolution: An Under-Explored Resource
  • Applying Restorative Justice Principles in Conflict Resolution
  • Natural Resource Management as a Strategy for Conflict Resolution

Political Science Research Topics on Mediation & Negotiation

  • Integrating Mediation and Negotiation in International Diplomacy
  • Third-Party Mediation in Intractable Conflicts: Success Factors and Challenges
  • Power Asymmetries in International Negotiations: A Critical Examination
  • Art of Negotiation in Peace Treaties: An Analytical Study
  • Mediation Strategies in Post-Conflict Reconstruction: Case Studies Review
  • Influence of Culture and Tradition in Mediation and Negotiation
  • Mediation in Intrastate Conflicts: Evaluating Success and Failure
  • Science of Persuasion in Political Negotiations: Theoretical and Practical Approaches
  • Conflict Resolution: Comparative Study of Mediation and Negotiation
  • Cognitive Biases in Mediation and Negotiation: Understanding the Impact
  • Multi-Track Diplomacy: A New Paradigm for Mediation
  • Analyzing Negotiation Tactics in International Trade Agreements
  • Non-State Actors in Mediation: Scope and Limitations
  • Transformative Mediation: Conceptual Analysis and Application
  • Role of International Law in Mediation and Negotiation
  • Cyber Mediation: Future of Dispute Resolution in the Digital Age
  • Gender Dynamics in Mediation and Negotiation: An In-Depth Study
  • Mediation in the Context of Terrorism and Insurgency: Practical Possibilities and Limitations
  • Comparative Study of Bilateral and Multilateral Negotiations in International Politics
  • Bargaining and Negotiation in Coalition Governments: An Empirical Analysis

Political Science Research Topics on Public Administration

  • Decentralization in Public Administration: A Critical Review
  • Citizen Engagement in Public Service Delivery: An Analytical Approach
  • E-Government Services: Adoption and Challenges
  • Administrative Ethics in Public Sector: A Case Study
  • Accountability Mechanisms in Public Administration: Effectiveness and Limitations
  • Performance Measurement in Public Sector: Methodologies and Challenges
  • Bureaucratic Discretion in Policy Implementation: Case Studies
  • Public-Private Partnerships in Urban Development: Benefits and Drawbacks
  • Strategic Management in Public Administration: Theory and Practice
  • Digital Transformation in Public Administration: Progress and Barriers
  • Leadership Styles in Public Administration: Comparative Analysis
  • Crisis Management in Public Administration: Role and Effectiveness
  • Transparency and Open Government: Evaluating Impact on Public Trust
  • Sustainability Practices in Public Administration: A Global Perspective
  • Innovation in Public Service Delivery: Case Studies and Analysis
  • Public Administration in the Age of AI: Opportunities and Threats
  • Equity and Fairness in Public Service Provision: An Empirical Study
  • Diversity and Inclusion in Public Administration: Assessing Progress and Barriers
  • Administrative Law and Public Administration: Interactions and Influences
  • Gender Mainstreaming in Public Administration: Successes and Challenges

Political Science Research Topics on Public Law

  • Public Law and Private Interests: A Complex Interplay
  • Judicial Review and its Constitutional Limits: A Comparative Study
  • Public Law Enforcement: Issues and Innovations
  • Administrative Regulations and Their Legal Implications: A Deep Dive
  • Exploring Freedom of Expression Within the Context of Public Law
  • Public Law in a Multicultural Society: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities
  • Addressing Discrimination Through Public Law: The Legal Perspective
  • Cybersecurity and Public Law: Emerging Trends and Challenges
  • Public Health Law in Times of Global Pandemics: Lessons and Improvements
  • Human Rights and Public Law: Contemporary Challenges
  • Immigration Laws and Public Policy: Examining the Intersections
  • Public Law and Environmental Protection: Legal Tools and Limitations
  • Constitutional Interpretations in Public Law: An In-Depth Analysis
  • Public Law in the Context of National Security: Trade-Offs and Necessities
  • Institutional Corruption and Public Law: A Legal Analysis
  • Public Law in Post-Conflict Societies: Rebuilding Justice Systems
  • Public Law and Economic Regulation: An Interdisciplinary Study
  • Defining Privacy in the Digital Age: A Public Law Perspective
  • Transnational Law: Exploring the Public Law Dimension

Political Theorists Research Topics

  • Reinterpretation of Thucydides’ “History of the Peloponnesian War”: Ancient Insights Into Modern Conflicts
  • Applying the Teachings of Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” to Modern Political Strategy
  • Neo-Marxism and Its Roots in Karl Marx’s “Capital”
  • Unveiling Realism in Niccolò Machiavelli’s “The Prince”
  • “A Theory of Justice”: Rawls’s Vision of Fairness in a Liberal Society
  • Thomas Hobbes’s “Leviathan”: An Analysis of Social Contract Theory
  • Analyzing Rousseau’s “The Social Contract” and Its Relevance in Contemporary Politics
  • Understanding the Subaltern in Antonio Gramsci’s “Prison Notebooks”
  • “Orientalism” by Edward Said: Unraveling the Western Gaze
  • Foucault’s “Discipline and Punish”: Power Relations and Surveillance Society
  • Critiquing Neoliberalism Through David Harvey’s “A Brief History of Neoliberalism”
  • Hegemony and International Relations: Insights From Antonio Gramsci’s “Selections From the Prison Notebooks”
  • Reading Alexis de Tocqueville’s “Democracy in America” through a Postmodern Lens
  • The Dialectics of Secularization in Charles Taylor’s “A Secular Age”
  • Noam Chomsky’s “Manufacturing Consent”: A Study of Media and Propaganda
  • Interpreting “The Wretched of the Earth” by Frantz Fanon: Post-Colonial Politics and Identity
  • Assessing Neorealism through Kenneth Waltz’s “Theory of International Politics”
  • Reading Gandhi’s “Hind Swaraj” as a Radical Political Text

Public Opinion Research Topics in Political Science

  • Online Social Media Platforms and Their Influence on Public Opinion
  • Populism and Its Effect on Public Sentiment
  • Survey Design and Its Importance in Gauging Public Opinion
  • Media Framing and Shaping of Public Perceptions
  • Psychological Factors That Steer Public Opinion
  • Campaigns and Their Ability to Mold Public Views
  • Analyzing Political Polarization in Public Opinion
  • Understanding Voter Behavior through Public Opinion
  • Representation of Marginalized Groups in Public Opinion Polls
  • Cultural Shifts and Their Reflection on Public Opinion
  • Critical Discourse Analysis of Public Opinion in News Media
  • Efficacy of Public Service Announcements in Changing Public Opinion
  • Effect of Economic Crises on Public Attitudes Toward Government
  • Emerging Patterns of Public Opinion on Climate Change
  • How Misinformation Influences Public Perception
  • Assessing Public Attitudes Towards Science and Technology
  • Public Opinion on LGBTQ+ Rights: A Comparative Analysis
  • Shifts in Public Opinion on Immigration Policies Over Time
  • Influence of Celebrity Endorsements on Public Opinion in Political Campaigns

Terrorism and Counterterrorism Research Topics

  • Understanding Radicalization Processes and Terrorism
  • Cyber Terrorism: Threats and Countermeasures
  • Nexus Between Poverty and Terrorism: A Comprehensive Analysis
  • Application of Artificial Intelligence in Counterterrorism Strategies
  • Terrorist Financing and Money Laundering: Prevention Tactics
  • Biological Terrorism: Evaluating International Legal Frameworks
  • Effective Policies for Dealing With Homegrown Terrorism
  • Intelligence Gathering and Its Significance in Counterterrorism
  • Assessing Terrorism’s Influence on International Relations
  • Influence of Geopolitical Factors on Terrorism Proliferation
  • Nuclear Terrorism: Addressing the Unthinkable
  • Ethical Dilemmas in Counterterrorism Measures
  • Post-Terrorism Trauma and Community Resilience Strategies
  • Media’s Portrayal of Terrorism and Its Societal Implications
  • Terrorist Recruitment Strategies in the Digital Age
  • Infiltrating Terrorist Networks: Approaches and Challenges
  • Dissecting the Psychology of Terrorism: Motivations and Beliefs
  • Terrorism and Civil Liberties: Striking a Balance
  • Evaluating the Effectiveness of International Counterterrorism Alliances
  • Decoding Ideologies and Beliefs Behind Religious Terrorism

Voting Behavior Research Topics in Political Science

  • Influence of Social Media on Voting Behavior
  • Analyzing the Voting Patterns of First-Time Voters
  • In-Depth Study of Partisan Polarization and Voting
  • Exploring the Generational Shifts in Voting Preferences
  • Interplay Between Socioeconomic Status and Voting Trends
  • Determinants of Electoral Turnout: A Cross-Country Analysis
  • Impact of Voter Education Campaigns on Election Outcomes
  • Understanding the Phenomenon of Swing Voters in Modern Politics
  • Analyzing the Gender Gap in Voting Behavior
  • Dynamics of Ethnic Identity and Voting Behavior
  • Assessing the Effects of Campaign Advertisements on Voter Choices
  • Political Trust and Its Influence on Voting Decisions
  • Influence of Local Issues on National Election Voting
  • Exploring the Correlation Between Income Inequality and Voting
  • Impact of Immigration Policies on Voting Behavior
  • Study of Strategic Voting in Multi-Party Systems
  • Influence of Climate Change Concerns on Voting Behavior
  • Cognitive Biases in Political Decision-Making and Voting
  • Assessing the Influence of Populism on Voting Behavior
  • Correlation Between Voter Turnout and Political Stability

Political Essay Topics

Political argumentative essay topics.

  • In Defense of Electoral College Reforms
  • Affirmative Action Policies: Necessary for Equality or a Threat to Meritocracy?
  • Assessing the Justification for Internet Censorship in Democracies
  • Climate Change Policies and Their Controversial Aspects
  • Immigration Policies: Security Measures or Infringements on Human Rights?
  • Libertarianism vs. Socialism: Which System Ensures Greater Freedom?
  • Proportional Representation vs. Winner-Takes-All Systems
  • Evaluating the Ethical Considerations of Drone Warfare
  • Privacy or Security: Balancing Surveillance and Civil Liberties
  • Is Mandatory Voting the Solution to Political Apathy?
  • Interrogating the Concept of Universal Basic Income
  • Should Religious Leaders Influence Politics?
  • Analyzing the Pros and Cons of Capital Punishment
  • Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks of Globalization
  • Debating the Effectiveness of Economic Sanctions in International Politics
  • Justifying the Need for Diplomatic Immunity
  • Single-Payer Healthcare System: A Utopian Dream or Realistic Goal?
  • Universal Suffrage: Are Age Restrictions on Voting Fair?
  • Arguments For and Against Term Limits for Political Leaders
  • Exploring the Debate on Public vs. Private Prisons

Political Persuasive Essay Topics

  • Formulating Arguments for Cybersecurity as a Public Good
  • Democracy’s Triumph: Persuading Skeptics of Its Superiority
  • Fostering a Case for a Global Minimum Wage
  • Why Technological Literacy Should Be a Political Priority
  • Building the Case for Stronger Whistleblower Protections
  • Lobbying in Politics: A Necessary Evil or a Corrupting Influence?
  • Transparency and Accountability in the Digital Age
  • Persuading for the Inclusion of Climate Education in Political Discourse
  • The Argument for the Removal of Political Donations Caps
  • Proposing a Case for Mandatory Public Service
  • Citizenship Education as a Tool for Fostering Civic Participation
  • Debating the Need for Decentralization of Political Power
  • Defending the Implementation of Universal Healthcare
  • Arguing for a Foreign Policy Focused on Humanitarian Aid
  • Nuclear Disarmament: Crafting a Persuasive Narrative
  • Need for Strict Regulations on Campaign Financing
  • Advocating for More Women in Political Leadership Roles
  • Ethics in Politics: A Plea for Greater Integrity
  • Building a Case for Online Voting Systems

Political Science Essay Topics

  • Challenges and Prospects of E-Democracy
  • Deciphering the Politics of Food Security
  • Indigenous Governance and Its Influence on National Politics
  • Efficacy of Social Movements in Modern Political Landscape
  • Cryptocurrency and Its Potential Effect on Political Economy
  • Ideological Shifts in the Contemporary Political Landscape
  • Revolution and Its Aftermath: A Case Study of [Country]
  • Assessing the Politicization of Climate Change
  • Political Factors Influencing International Trade Agreements
  • How Political Satire Shapes Public Opinion
  • Understanding Populism in the 21st Century
  • Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Political Decisions
  • Religion’s Place in Politics: A Cross-Cultural Analysis
  • Deliberative Democracy: Concept, Theory, and Application
  • Civic Education’s Contribution to Political Engagement
  • Accountability Mechanisms in Public Administration
  • Assessing Political Stability in Post-Conflict Societies
  • The Intersection of Politics and Sports: An Unexplored Dimension
  • Political Alienation in the Age of Digital Democracy
  • Disinformation Campaigns and Their Threat to Democracy

Political Socialization Essay

  • Peer Influence on Political Beliefs: An Analysis
  • Mapping the Influence of Education on Political Attitudes
  • Understanding Political Socialization Through Social Media
  • Family Dynamics and Its Effect on Political Affiliation
  • How School Curricula Influence Political Awareness
  • Intersectionality in Political Socialization: An Analysis
  • Classroom Climate and Its Effect on Students’ Political Views
  • Religion and Its Significance in Political Socialization
  • Media’s Influence on Shaping Political Ideologies
  • Generational Differences in Political Socialization Patterns
  • Effect of Neighborhood Context on Political Attitudes
  • Political Socialization of Immigrants in Host Societies
  • Exploring the Role of Youth Organizations in Political Socialization
  • Civic Education’s Effect on Adolescents’ Political Attitudes
  • Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Political Socialization
  • Examining the Impact of Sports on Political Identity Formation
  • Political Socialization Processes in Authoritarian Regimes
  • Contribution of Non-Governmental Organizations to Political Socialization
  • How Political Events Shape Public Opinion: A Case Study
  • The Role of Pop Culture in Political Socialization

Political Case Study Ideas to Investigate

  • Understanding Brexit: A Multi-Faceted Approach
  • Chile’s Path to Democracy: An In-Depth Analysis
  • Political Polarization in the United States: Causes and Consequences
  • Deciphering the Arab Spring: Political Repercussions
  • India’s Coalition Politics: A Detailed Study
  • Analyzing China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Political Implications
  • The Rise of Populism in Europe: A Country-Specific Study
  • Green Politics in Germany: A Comprehensive Review
  • Political and Economic Transformation in Post-Apartheid South Africa
  • Japan’s Pacifism and Its Changing Security Landscape
  • Investigating the Scottish Independence Movement: Causes and Implications
  • Analysis of Turkey’s Shift Towards Authoritarianism
  • From FARC to Peace: Colombia’s Journey Towards Reconciliation
  • Venezuela’s Economic Crisis: A Political Perspective
  • The Partition of India and Pakistan: Causes and Effects
  • North Korea’s Political Dynamics: An Insider’s View
  • Russia’s Foreign Policy Towards its Near Abroad
  • Greece’s Debt Crisis: A Political Economy Perspective
  • Investigating the Rise of Right-Wing Politics in Brazil

Political Economy Topics to Write About

  • Understanding the Political Economy of Globalization
  • Trade Wars: Political Economy Considerations
  • Climate Change and Political Economy: Bridging the Gap
  • Capitalism and Democracy: Exploring Their Relationship
  • Political Economy of Poverty Reduction Strategies
  • Emerging Economies: A Political Economy Perspective
  • Global Financial Crises and Their Political Repercussions
  • Digital Revolution: Implications for Political Economy
  • Multinational Corporations in Developing Economies: A Study
  • Sustainable Development: An Investigation Into Its Political Economy
  • Neoliberalism’s Effect on the Welfare States
  • Political Economy of Oil-Producing Nations
  • Income Inequality: A Matter of Political Economy
  • Examining the Politics of Central Banking
  • State Intervention in Market Economies: Pros and Cons
  • Political Economy of Post-Soviet States
  • Political Economy of Global Health: Pandemics and Power
  • Investigating Gender Disparities through a Political Economy Lens
  • Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies: The Political Economy of Disruption
  • Deciphering the Political Economy of Climate Change Mitigation

Comparative Politics Essay Topics

  • Democracy and Autocracy: Divergent Paths of Political Systems
  • Political Economy in Developed vs. Developing Nations
  • Authoritarian Regimes: A Comparative Analysis
  • Legislative Systems: Examining Parliamentary and Presidential Models
  • Institutional Theory and Practice: A Comparative Study
  • Social Welfare Policies: East vs. West Examination
  • Understanding Federalism: A Comparison Between USA and Canada
  • Political Leadership Styles: Comparative Analysis of World Leaders
  • Political Culture in Scandinavia: A Comparative Approach
  • Comparative Study of Minority Rights Across Nations
  • Decentralization and Centralization: Exploring Various Governance Models
  • Migration Policies: Comparative Study Between Europe and North America
  • Examining the Rise of Populism in the 21st Century
  • Nationalism and Identity Politics: Comparative Analysis
  • Comparative Study on Corruption and Transparency in Governments
  • Civil Society Organizations and Democracy: Cross-National Examination
  • Study of Post-Conflict Reconciliation Processes
  • Globalization and State Sovereignty: Comparative Perspectives
  • Election Systems: A Comparative Analysis Between Proportional and Majority Voting

American Politics Essay Topics in Political Science to Research

  • Divisive Politics: Rise and Ramifications in Modern America
  • American Democracy: Assessing the Influence of Interest Groups
  • Presidential Power and Executive Orders: An In-Depth Analysis
  • Exploring the Intersection of Race and Politics in America
  • Healthcare Politics: Debate Around Universal Healthcare in the United States
  • Deciphering the Electoral College: Strengths and Controversies
  • US Supreme Court: Examination of Partisanship in Judicial Appointments
  • Foreign Policy Under Different American Presidents
  • Immigration Policies and Politics in the United States
  • American Federalism: Dynamics and Challenges
  • Analysis of Campaign Finance Laws in US Elections
  • US Legislative Process: Obstruction and Filibuster in Senate
  • Exploring the American Two-Party System: Advantages and Shortcomings
  • Policing Policies and Race Relations in Contemporary American Politics
  • American Media Politics: Influence of Cable News Networks
  • Populism in American Politics: An Examination of Its Rise and Effect
  • Gerrymandering and Redistricting: Influences on American Electoral Politics
  • Gun Control Politics in the United States
  • Sociopolitical Implications of Climate Change in American Politics

Food Politics Essay Topics

  • Food Sovereignty: Challenges and Prospects in Global South
  • Exploring the Politics of Obesity and Fast-Food Industries
  • Globalization and the Politics of Food Distribution
  • Agribusiness Lobbying: Influences on Dietary Guidelines
  • Influence of Food Marketing on Consumer Choices and Health Outcomes
  • Genetically Modified Foods: Political and Ethical Considerations
  • Trade Wars: Effects on International Food Trade
  • Interplay of Food, Politics, and Religion: The Case of Halal and Kosher
  • Food Wastage: Understanding International Policies and Solutions
  • Geopolitics of Food Aid and Its Implications on International Relations
  • Hunger Strikes: The Use of Food as a Political Protest Tool
  • Famine and Political Instability: A Comparative Study
  • Analyzing Food Policy in the Context of Indigenous Rights
  • Fast Food Legislation: Case Studies of Regulation and Public Health
  • Farm Subsidies: Political Implications and Influence on Agriculture
  • Analysis of Food Insecurity in War Zones
  • Political Dimensions of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management
  • Exploring the Intersection of Food Politics and Gender Inequality
  • Politics of School Lunch Programs: A Comparative Analysis

Global Political Topics to Talk About

  • Global Migration Patterns and Asylum Policies
  • Foreign Aid Effectiveness in Developing Economies
  • Transnational Corporations in Global Governance
  • Political Implications of Climate Change on Small Island States
  • Polarization in Global Politics: Causes and Consequences
  • Nuclear Proliferation and Arms Control Agreements
  • Populist Movements in the 21 st -Century: A Comparative Analysis
  • Crypto Diplomacy: Decentralized Finance in International Relations
  • Artificial Intelligence and International Security Challenges
  • Internet Governance and Cybersecurity in International Relations
  • Global Health Diplomacy: Lessons From the COVID-19 Pandemic
  • Rise of China: Shifts in Global Power Balance
  • Maritime Disputes in the South China Sea
  • Global Human Trafficking Networks and Response Mechanisms
  • Effects of Sanctions on Targeted Countries
  • India’s Role in the Changing Global Order
  • Understanding the Middle East: Sectarian Conflicts and Geopolitics
  • Diplomatic Relations Between North Korea and the World
  • Post-Conflict Reconstruction: Case Studies From the Balkans and Africa

Political Ideology Essay Topics for Science Research

  • Libertarianism vs. Socialism: Exploring the Extremes
  • Nihilism in Contemporary Political Thought
  • Anarchism: Critiques and Contributions to Political Theory
  • Conservatism and Progressive Thought in the 21st Century
  • Feminist Theory and Its Intersection With Political Ideologies
  • Eco-Fascism: Emergence and Examination
  • Populism: Ideology or Political Strategy?
  • Decoding Democratic Socialism: Perspectives and Paradigms
  • Neoliberalism and Its Critics in Global Politics
  • Taoism and Its Political Implications for Eastern Societies
  • Religious Fundamentalism as a Political Ideology
  • Radical Centrism: Balancing the Political Scale
  • Marxism-Leninism: Validity in Contemporary Politics
  • Intersectionality: Power Dynamics and Political Recognition
  • Post-Colonial Theory and Decolonial Thought in Political Ideology
  • Islamic Political Ideology: The Spectrum of Interpretations
  • Monarchism in the Modern Age: A Contradiction?
  • Technocracy and Its Place in Modern Political Ideology
  • Nationalism and Populism in the Era of Globalization
  • Exploring Pluralism: Political Ideology and Multicultural Societies

Political Corruption Essay Topics

  • Unmasking Corruption in Public-Private Partnerships
  • Dissecting Political Patronage: Origins and Outcomes
  • Clientelism in Contemporary Democracies
  • Political Corruption and the Erosion of Social Trust
  • Neopatrimonialism: An Examination of Power Abuse
  • Unveiling the Veil of Secrecy in Offshore Financial Centers
  • Corruption, Transparency, and Freedom of Information Acts
  • Dynamics of State Capture in Emerging Economies
  • Electoral Fraud: A Global Perspective
  • Money Laundering and the Financing of Political Parties
  • Whistleblowing Mechanisms in the Fight against Corruption
  • Judicial Independence, Accountability, and Corruption
  • Corruption Perceptions Index: Methodological Critiques
  • Nexus Between Political Corruption and Organized Crime
  • Transnational Anti-Corruption Initiatives: Successes and Failures
  • Political Corruption in Post-Conflict Societies
  • Fighting Corruption: The Effectiveness of Ombudsman Institutions
  • Informal Institutions and the Persistence of Corruption
  • Integrity Systems and Their Influence on Political Behavior
  • Pedagogy of Corruption: Education as a Tool for Change 

Political Leadership Essay Topics

  • Charismatic Leadership in Modern Democracies
  • Women in Politics: Pathways to Leadership
  • Examining Leadership Styles in Political Movements
  • Power Distribution and Decision-Making in Political Leadership
  • Personality Traits of Effective Political Leaders
  • Political Leadership and the Challenge of National Cohesion
  • Authoritarianism: Styles and Effects in Leadership
  • Evolving Paradigms in Political Leadership Analysis
  • Servant Leadership in Politics: Principles and Applications
  • Political Leadership in Times of Crisis: Case Studies
  • Leadership in Supranational Entities: A European Union Study
  • Youth Leadership and the Future of Politics
  • Moral Leadership in Politics: Reality or Utopia?
  • Navigating Political Leadership in Multiethnic Societies
  • The Transition of Leadership in Totalitarian Regimes
  • Political Leadership and the Dynamics of Urban Development
  • Influence of Media on Political Leadership Perception
  • Leadership Decapitation in Terrorist Organizations: Effects and Consequences
  • Gender and Cultural Dimensions in Political Leadership
  • Educational Background and Its Influence on Political Leadership

Political Participation Essay Topics for Science Research

  • Digital Activism and Its Influence on Political Participation
  • Youth Engagement in the Political Sphere: Factors and Trends
  • Political Participation in Marginalized Communities
  • Socioeconomic Status and Its Effect on Political Participation
  • Influence of Education Level on Political Participation
  • Civic Education and Its Relationship With Political Participation
  • Social Media as a Platform for Political Participation
  • Barriers to Political Participation in Developing Countries
  • Gender Differences in Political Participation: A Global Perspective
  • Populism and Its Effects on Political Participation
  • Immigrant Communities and Political Participation: A Comparative Study
  • The Interplay Between Religion and Political Participation
  • Assessing Political Participation in Non-Democratic Regimes
  • Political Participation and Trust in Government: An Analysis
  • Direct Democracy Mechanisms and Citizen Participation
  • Influence of Political Parties on Voter Participation
  • Political Participation in Post-Conflict Societies
  • The Relationship Between Political Satire and Political Participation
  • Exploring the Impact of Political Efficacy on Voter Turnout

Political Communication Essay Topics

  • Political Rhetoric in Election Campaigns: A Critical Analysis
  • Decoding the Language of Political Advertising
  • Influence of Social Media on Political Discourse
  • Media Framing and Public Perception of Political Issues
  • Politics and Public Relations: The Art of Messaging
  • Evaluating the Function of Press Releases in Political Communication
  • Analyzing Speech Writing as a Political Communication Tool
  • Political Debates and Their Effect on Voter Perceptions
  • News Media Bias and Its Effect on Political Communication
  • Examining the Power of Political Cartoons in Shaping Public Opinion
  • Investigating the Role of Polls in Political Communication
  • Influence of Digital Technologies on Political Discourse
  • Assessing Political Communication Strategies in Crisis Situations
  • The Function of Satire in Political Communication
  • Understanding Propaganda as a Political Communication Strategy
  • Emotional Appeal and Persuasion in Political Communication
  • Investigating the Role of Fact-Checking in Political Communication
  • The Effect of Celebrity Endorsements on Political Campaigns
  • Political Communication Tactics in Grassroots Movements
  • Exploring the Dynamics of Political Communication in Non-Democratic Regimes   

Political Campaigns and Elections Essay Topics

  • Candidate Image and Voter Perception in Presidential Elections
  • Strategies for Success: An Analysis of Competitive Congressional Campaigns
  • Negative Campaigning: Voter Turnout and Attitude Change
  • Campaign Finance Laws: Understanding the Effect on Election Outcomes
  • Media, Politics, and Elections: A Complex Relationship
  • Grassroots Movements: Transformative Power in Political Campaigns
  • Political Advertising: The Subtle Art of Influencing Voters
  • Election Predictive Models: A Study of Accuracy and Reliability
  • Incumbency in Political Campaigns: An Unfair Advantage?
  • Endorsements and Their Effect on Election Outcomes: An Analysis
  • Voter Psychology: Unraveling Motivations and Influences
  • Political Scandals: Their Echo in Election Outcomes
  • Determinants of Winning Political Campaigns: A Comprehensive Study
  • Opinion Polls in Political Campaigns: A Necessary Evil?
  • Swing States: The Tipping Point in US Presidential Elections
  • Social Media Platforms: A New Frontier in Political Campaigns
  • Digital Revolution: The Transforming Landscape of Political Campaigning
  • Direct Mail in Political Campaigns: An Old but Gold Strategy
  • Gerrymandering: Its Silent Control over Election Outcomes
  • Campaign Volunteers: The Unsung Heroes in Election Victories

Political Activism Essay Topics for Science Research

  • Cyber Activism: The Changing Face of Political Dissent
  • Nonviolent Resistance: Exploring Its Power and Limitations
  • Activism and Democracy: Is There a Symbiotic Relationship?
  • Understanding the Motivations Behind Political Activism
  • Social Media: A Potent Tool for Political Activists
  • Political Activism: A Closer Look at Its Psychological Underpinnings
  • Environmental Activism: A Deep Dive Into Its Political Implications
  • Grassroots Movements: Driving Forces for Political Change
  • Civil Disobedience: An Examination of Its Legitimacy in Political Activism
  • Feminist Activism: Tracing Its Influence on Political Landscape
  • Political Activism in Dictatorial Regimes: A Risky Path to Democracy
  • Anonymity in Activism: An Investigation Into Its Strategic Significance
  • Challenges of Organizing Political Activism in Rural Areas
  • Art and Political Activism: The Power of Symbolic Protest
  • Identity Politics: Its Role in Shaping Political Activism
  • Youth Activism: Unleashing Political Change From Below
  • Political Activism Among Celebrities: An Examination of Its Effects
  • The Influence of Political Activism on Policy Change
  • Historical Analysis of Successful Political Activism Movements

Political Institutions Essay Topics

  • A Comparative Analysis of Democratic Institutions Across Nations
  • Efficacy of International Institutions in Addressing Global Crises
  • Parliaments Around the World: A Study of Their Structures and Functions
  • Executive Powers: Differences and Similarities Across Political Systems
  • Supranational Institutions: Their Role in Global Governance
  • Dissecting the Judicial Branch: Influence on Politics and Society
  • Political Parties as Crucial Institutions: An In-Depth Study
  • Influence of Media Institutions on Public Opinion and Policy Making
  • Civil Society: An Examination of Its Institutional Dimensions
  • The Military as a Political Institution in Authoritarian Regimes
  • Effectiveness of Electoral Institutions in Promoting Democratic Values
  • Education Institutions and Their Influence on Political Socialization
  • Assessing the Functionality of Bureaucratic Institutions in Policy Implementation
  • International Financial Institutions: Politics and Power Play
  • A Critical Study of Regional Political Institutions and Their Effectiveness
  • The UN as a Political Institution: Achievements and Shortcomings
  • Political Institutions in Federal and Unitary Systems: Comparative Analysis
  • Autonomous Institutions: Implications for Democracy and Governance
  • The Role of Traditional Institutions in Politics: Case Studies From Africa

Political Systems Essay Topics

  • Comparative Analysis of Democratic and Authoritarian Political Systems
  • Monarchies in the Modern World: An Examination of Existing Political Structures
  • Confederalism, Federalism, and Unitary Systems: A Study in Contrasts
  • Political System Transition: Case Studies From Post-Soviet States
  • Presidential and Parliamentary Systems: Assessing Advantages and Shortcomings
  • Dictatorship vs. Democracy: A Comparative Study of Stability
  • Influence of Political Systems on Civil Liberties and Human Rights
  • Political Systems and Their Correspondence With Economic Development
  • Political Systems and Environmental Policy: Comparative Analysis
  • Assessing the Efficacy of Mixed Political Systems
  • Analyzing the Peculiarities of Theocratic Political Systems
  • Indigenous Political Systems and Their Relevance Today
  • Political Systems in Small Island States: Unique Challenges and Solutions
  • Fragmentation in Multi-Party Systems: Causes and Consequences
  • Role of Constitutions in Shaping Political Systems
  • Single-Party Rule: Understanding Its Dynamics and Implications
  • Political Systems in Post-Colonial African Nations: A Critical Study
  • Understanding Anarchy: Could It Function as a Political System?
  • Effect of Internet Technologies on the Functioning of Political Systems
  • Transitioning to Democracy: A Study on Post-Military Rule Political Systems

Political Psychology Essay Topics for Science Research

  • Psychological Drivers Behind Political Participation
  • Personality Traits and Leadership Styles in Politics
  • Understanding Voters’ Decision-Making Processes
  • Fear and Politics: Exploring the Connection
  • Influence of Media on Political Perception: A Cognitive Approach
  • Political Conspiracy Theories: Unraveling the Psychology
  • Emotional Intelligence and its Influence on Political Leadership
  • The Interplay of Cognitive Biases in Political Judgment
  • Analyzing the Psychology of Radicalization in Politics
  • Political Psychology of Climate Change Denial
  • Gender Stereotypes in Political Leadership: A Psychological Perspective
  • How Do Personality Disorders Influence Political Behavior?
  • Group Identity and Its Effects on Political Affiliation
  • Assessing the Relationship Between Nationalism and Psychological Well-Being
  • Psychological Factors that Influence Trust in Government
  • The Interplay Between Religion and Politics: A Psychological Perspective
  • Emotion vs. Logic: What Rules in Political Decision Making?
  • Psychological Factors Influencing Political Polarization
  • Cognitive Dissonance in Politics: Causes and Consequences
  • The Psychology of Political Persuasion and Propaganda

Political Ethics Essay Topics

  • Ethical Implications of Political Corruption
  • Moral Obligations of Political Leaders
  • Unveiling Ethics in Election Campaigns
  • Influence of Ethics on Public Policy Making
  • Evaluating Ethical Standards in International Politics
  • Privacy Rights and Government Surveillance: An Ethical Dilemma
  • Transparency and Accountability in Political Institutions
  • Understanding Ethical Challenges in Political Activism
  • Justifying War: An Exploration of Political Ethics
  • Fostering Ethical Conduct in Political Leadership
  • Debating Ethical Aspects of Political Propaganda
  • Moral Quandaries in the Politics of Climate Change
  • Assessing Ethical Dimensions of Political Lobbying
  • Scrutinizing Ethics in the Political Handling of Migration
  • Political Ethics and the Dilemma of Whistleblowing
  • Probing the Ethics of Political Campaign Financing
  • Ethical Analysis of Discrimination in Politics
  • Deconstructing Ethics in Policy Implementation
  • An Ethical Examination of Political Censorship
  • Political Nepotism: Analyzing the Ethical Implications

Political History Essay Topics

  • Decoding Political Developments of the French Revolution
  • Understanding Political Shifts in Post-Colonial Africa
  • Exploring the Political Consequences of the Cuban Revolution
  • Assessing the Political Transformation of Japan Post-World War II
  • History of Women’s Political Empowerment in the United States
  • Analyzing the Birth of the European Union: Political Implications
  • Political Dynamics of the Middle East Post-Arab Spring
  • Unpacking the Historical Influence of the American Civil Rights Movement
  • Deciphering the Political Realities of the Cold War
  • Political Changes in Latin America: A Case of Socialist Movements
  • Post-Apartheid South Africa: A Historical and Political Analysis
  • Investigating Political Repercussions of the Iranian Revolution
  • Maoism and its Political Aftermath in China
  • Understanding the Political Unification of Italy: A Historical Perspective
  • Historical Trajectories of Political Islam in the Middle East
  • Analyzing the Political Changes in Post-Soviet Russia
  • Impact of Thatcherism on the United Kingdom’s Political Landscape
  • Exploring the Politics of Independence Movements in India
  • Historical Analysis of Indigenous Political Movements in Australia

Political Violence and Terrorism Essay Topics

  • Contemporary Analysis of Terrorism and the State: A Case of Afghanistan
  • Political Violence in Africa: Focus on Boko Haram
  • Origins and Progression of Terrorism in the Middle East
  • Political Violence and Regime Change: Lessons From Libya
  • Modern Insurgencies and the Cycle of Political Violence
  • Terrorism Financing and Its Global Repercussions
  • How International Law Addresses State-Sponsored Terrorism
  • Cyber Terrorism: A New Face of Political Violence
  • Understanding Terrorist Narratives and Recruitment Strategies
  • Political Violence and Its Relation to Failed States
  • Securitization of Terrorism: A Comparative Analysis
  • Political Violence in Latin America: Case of the Drug Cartels
  • Religious Extremism and Terrorism: A Global Perspective
  • Analyzing Terrorism’s Influence on Public Opinion and Policy
  • Transnational Terrorism: Issues and Challenges
  • Terrorism and Media Coverage: An Analytical View
  • Exploring Political Responses to Domestic Terrorism
  • Structural Violence and Terrorism: Linking Theory and Practice
  • Global Anti-Terrorism Strategies and Their Effectiveness
  • Analyzing the Psychology Behind Political Violence and Terrorism

Political Human Rights Essay Topics in Political Science to Research

  • Human Rights Violations in North Korea: An In-Depth Examination
  • Enforcement of Human Rights in International Law
  • State Sovereignty and Human Rights: A Delicate Balance
  • Analysis of Human Rights Legislation: Focus on the European Union
  • Modern Slavery and Human Rights: A Global View
  • Children’s Rights in the Political Realm: National and International Perspectives
  • LGBTQ+ Rights as Human Rights: A Comparative Study
  • Analyzing Political Will and Its Effects on Human Rights Implementation
  • Indigenous People’s Rights in Political Agendas: A Case Study
  • Exploring Human Rights in Post-Apartheid South Africa
  • Migrant and Refugee Rights: International Policies and Realities
  • Climate Change and Human Rights: Addressing Displacement and Environmental Injustice
  • Analyzing the Politics Behind Human Rights Commissions
  • Human Rights and Gender Equality: Assessing Progress and Challenges
  • Disability Rights as Human Rights: A Global Perspective
  • Human Rights in Conflict Zones: A Case of Syria
  • The Politics of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
  • Human Rights in Authoritarian Regimes: A Case of China
  • Prisoners’ Rights and Political Responses: An International Overview

International Political Economy Essay Topics

  • Power Dynamics in International Trade Agreements
  • Deciphering the Politics of International Financial Institutions
  • Analysis of the Belt and Road Initiative: A New Economic World Order
  • Exploring Brexit: Economic Implications and Political Tensions
  • State-Led Capitalism in China: International Implications
  • Cryptocurrencies and International Political Economy: An Emerging Frontier
  • Globalization Backlash: Rise of Economic Nationalism
  • Food Security and International Political Economy: A Multi-Faceted Study
  • International Debt Crisis: Lessons From Argentina
  • International Trade, Labor, and Human Rights: Unraveling the Connections
  • Climate Change: Challenges for International Political Economy
  • Resource Scarcity, Conflict, and International Political Economy
  • Examining the Washington Consensus: Criticisms and Relevance
  • Global Inequality: Causes and Consequences in International Political Economy
  • Global Value Chains and Power Politics: An Examination
  • Digital Economy and its Influence on Global Politics
  • Global Health and International Political Economy: The Pandemic Perspective
  • Multinational Corporations: Players in the International Political Economy
  • Analyzing Economic Sanctions as Political Tools
  • Foreign Aid, Political Leverage, and International Relations

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230 Best Political Science Research Topics to Deal With

Table of Contents

Political science is a complex and broad subject that deals with various aspects of politics and power at the domestic and international levels. It mainly focuses on the political ideologies, policies, activities, strategy, processes, behavior, and the associated laws and constitution. If you are a student who is pursuing a degree in political science, law, philosophy, sociology, or any other courses related to politics, then for your final assignment you may need political science research topics.

Do you want to write an excellent political science research paper? Are you searching for the best political science research topics? No worries! We know how difficult it is to find the right research topic when you are asked to select the topic on your own. So, to help you, in this blog post, we have shared a list of the best political science research topics along with the do’s and don’ts to be followed when writing a political science research paper.

List of the Best Political Science Research Topics

A good topic is all you need for writing a political research paper. Once you have selected an ideal political science research topic, you can go ahead and begin your research paper writing process. But when writing your political science research paper, make sure to keep the following things in mind.

  • Stick to one idea – one-paragraph rule.
  • Research any literature or similar projects related to your topic and gather information.
  • Provide facts with reliable academic sources.
  • Include statistics, data, or any evidence supporting your main points.
  • Before the conclusion part, include the counterargument paragraph.
  • When addressing sensitive points in your paper, never use a harsh tone.
  • Avoid portraying only one side of the issue.
  • Remain neutral when discussing political parties. Never show your favoritism.
  • Avoid too much quoting in the research paper.
  • Do not use any slang terms or colloquial language.

Political Science Research Topics

Political Science Research Topic Ideas

Choosing a political science topic for a research project is a challenging task. As political science is a wide subject, you can conduct research on any political-related areas such as international relations, comparative politics, public law, conflict resolution, public administration, mediation and negotiation, etc.

Political Science Research Topics

Listed below are a few interesting political science research topics for you to consider.

Go through the complete list and pick a topic of your interest.

Captivating Political Science Research Questions

  • What are the benefits of a democratic government?
  • Discuss the negative effects of anarchism.
  • How do social changes influence the politics in your country?
  • What makes a ruler a dictator?
  • Compare and contrast utilitarianism with egalitarianism
  • What gives legitimacy and authority in a democratic state?
  • Analyze the national politics of a country of your choice
  • Russia’s foreign policy towards Ukraine
  • Discuss public service motivation in the United States
  • Discuss signs of election fraud in the United States

International Relations Topics for Political Science Research Paper

  • An analysis of global security networks
  • International Monetary Fund Structure
  • NGO ethical guidelines
  • Global poverty causes
  • Arctic Circle Power Battles
  • Analyze one of the many religious wars.
  • Syrian conflict cause-effect
  • Human Rights in Uganda
  • What caused the war in Afghanistan?
  • Non-State facilitators in Japan Corporations

Unique Political Science Research Topics

  • Amnesty International Controversies
  • Discuss the rise in international terrorism.
  • China-US relations
  • The effects of nationalism in Germany
  • Relations between North and South Korea
  • Critical analysis of the relationship between India and Pakistan
  • Power of the United Nations
  • Areas discussed in G-20 Summit 2021
  • Agenda of QUAD Summit 2021
  • Theories of Geopolitics
  • Presidential vs parliamentary democracy
  • Cultural pressure between US and Japan
  • Soviet Union Ideology
  • Chinese financial institutions duplicating the International Monetary Fund (IMF): Western myths or reality?
  • Critical evaluation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of the Chinese government
  • United Nations on war, violence, and international security
  • Examine the causes of political conflicts between India and China
  • The digital transformation of diplomacy: Implications for the African Union
  • Analysis of the impact of cyber-diplomacy on international relations
  • Analyze the pullout of military force by the United States from Germany as a policy shift in Europe
  • Examine the role of Unite Nations in resolving the conflicts between India and Pakistan
  • Assess the effect of Brexit on the political relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union
  • Examine the political relations between Sri Lanka and China

Research Topics on Comparative Politics

  • What are comparative political institutions?
  • Presidential versus Parliamentary Democracy
  • A behavioral approach to parties’ comparison
  • A study of the Anglo-Saxon traits in the American Government
  • Apartheid Phenomenon
  • Discuss direct and indirect binary comparisons.
  • Chinese Communist Party Hierarchy
  • Vietnam War interests aggregation
  • Recruitment in developing countries
  • Explain the modernization theory.
  • Analyze 2 comparative parties in your country
  • Talk about conflict and revolution in the United States
  • A study of the cultural pressure between Japan and the United States
  • Foreign policies of the United States versus the United Kingdom
  • Compare and contrast the FDI policies of the United States and India
  • German philosophy and Karl Schmidt’s theses
  • Election policies
  • Strategic planning in fiscal management

Read More: Comparative Essay 

Research Topics on Political Theory

  • Anarchism History Key Figures
  • Aristotle’s Philosophy on the Theory of Governance
  • Agrarianism political theory
  • Analyze – The Republic By Plato
  • Edmund Burke’s Classic Theories
  • Egalitarianism theory
  • Frederic Bastiat Theses
  • John Austin Theory
  • Jean Bodin on Sovereignty
  • Liberty and Justice Challenges
  • Phoenicianism Political theory
  • Socialism with Communism in Eastern Europe
  • The Disciplinary Power of Foucault
  • Vladimir Lenin and Communism Approach
  • Research the topic of Zionism
  • Critical Analysis of Descriptive Political Theory and Contemporary Political Theory
  • Karl Marx – The Father of Communism
  • Civil war causes and peculiarity
  • Social network and protest movement
  • Ukraine divided: Political powers in play

Political Science Research Topics on Public Administration

  • Public administration and its link to social equity
  • Administration Careers in Transportation Security
  • Sustainability projects in public administration
  • Nonprofit organizations Ethics
  • Environmental Management Compromises
  • An Analysis of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
  • Public administration: traits of a true leader
  • Innovations in the Private Sector in the United States
  • Strategic Planning in Fiscal Management
  • Community Development Methods
  • Optimal Benefits to Public Safety
  • Crisis management procedures in your area
  • John Rohr’s Constitutional Vision
  • Governmental Efforts Coordination
  • Analyze the public organizational behavior in your country.
  • Prewar Constitutional Vision of Abraham Lincoln
  • Power of public administration to ensure public health and well-being
  • Criminal Law and common morality
  • Post-conflict justice inequality
  • Difference between political and armed conflict

Political Science Philosophy Research Topics

  • Republican Traditions in Education
  • Causes of the American Revolution
  • Election Ethics
  • German Philosophy & Karl Schmidt Theses
  • Transition Methods in the Post-Socialist Era
  • Liberal democracy justification
  • Civil Republicanism in contrast with Liberalism
  • Existentialism according to Western Constitutional Law
  • A study of mutual tolerance as a political virtue.
  • Neopatrimonialism Society Risks
  • Social networks and protest movement
  • Syrian government repression
  • Afghanistan conflict

Public Law Research Topics

  • Human Rights Act 1998
  • Famous Legislators in European Legal History
  • Criminal Law and Common Morality
  • Analyze constitutional law in your country
  • Discuss the role of mandatory rules in public law.
  • Civil Liberties and National Security Complaints
  • Judicial Review Argumentation Analysis
  • Privacy Law or Commercial Exploitation
  • Discuss the “public bodies act lawfully” principle of public law.
  • Socio-Economic preferences in Police Interrogation
  • Custody battles and gender bias psychology
  • Public Safety Statutes Judicial Interpretation
  • Post-Conflict Justice Inequality
  • Do all central and local governments have to obey public law?
  • Differences between procedural law and private law in the UK
  • Legal remedies for victims of the environmental population in Nigeria
  • Role of the public complaint commission on worker rights

Read more law topics: Unique Law Research Topics For Academic Writing

Research Topics on Political Conflicts

  • Yemen Conflict Resolution Methods
  • The Afghanistan Conflict
  • Conflicts between politics and religion
  • Mexico and Immigrants Crisis
  • Social Networks and Protest Movements
  • The conflict between Joe Biden and Donald Trump
  • Free speech and hate speech in political conflicts
  • Syrian Government Repression
  • Reagan’s Political Agenda
  • Civil War Causes and Peculiarities
  • War In Donbas: Russia’s Aggression In Ukraine
  • The best way to settle a political dispute
  • The Iraq war and the history of war crimes
  • Propaganda techniques during political wars
  • Causes of Rebellion in the Central African Republic
  • The conflict between US and China

Political Science Research Topics on Conflict Resolution

  • The United States Foreign Policy
  • Post-war countries conflict art Legacy
  • News coverage Media bias
  • Conflicts of African American prisoners
  • Afghanistan Collaboration Methods
  • Arctic Power Distribution
  • Political leaders and their personal ambitions
  • Iran Oil Conflict
  • Security leadership conflicts after 9/11
  • Concession between Right- and Left-wing Parties
  • Syrian conflict cause and effect

Political Science Research Topics on Mediation and Negotiation

  • Volunteering and Social Movements
  • Hostage care in foreign countries negotiation
  • Transnational Corporation Legal Disputes
  • American Modern Whistleblowers
  • Case study analysis of the Mediation Agreement
  • The mediation process in the permanent court of arbitration
  • Wartime negotiation methods
  • Mediation hearing preparation process
  • Groundbreaking constitutional talks regarding Syria
  • Civil Law Court versus Mediation Policies
  • Drafting Arbitration and Mediation Clauses
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods
  • Elections Agenda Analysis
  • International Arbitration Tribunal Mediation Process
  • Handling agricultural land disputes

Simple Political Science Research Ideas

  • Differences between Political and Armed Conflicts
  • Corruption Elimination Methods
  • Post-war Social Movements
  • Is religion a social power?
  • Implementing crucial changes in legislation processes
  • Is pardoning criminals acceptable?
  • Federalism traces in the Unitary Governance Model
  • Compare European and American Federal Crimes
  • Modern Leader’s Global Interdependence
  • Prosecution Ethics of Top Tier Officials

Interesting Political Science Research Topics

  • Social security issues in Australia
  • Is a dictatorship the same as a monarchy?
  • Imperialism in British Columbia
  • What makes Saddam Hussein a dictator?
  • How did Arnold Schwarzenegger become a politician?
  • Analyze the politics of Ancient Greece
  • Compare and contrast political science with pure history.
  • Boko Haram’s Expansion in Nigeria
  • Analyze the India-China border dispute
  • Discuss the rise of ISIS in Afghanistan
  • Colonialism in African countries
  • How did Vladimir Putin win 4 terms as president in Russia?
  • Analyze a totalitarian government
  • Gender equality in politics
  • The Israel-Hamas conflict

Latest Political Science Research Paper Topics

  • Environmental Management Compromises as a Result of Private Sector Innovations in the U.S.
  • The best benefits of public safety come from fiscal management and strategic planning administration careers in transportation security.
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency Evaluation
  • Comparison of European and American Federal Crimes:
  • Is Religion a Power in Society?
  • Corruption Prevention Techniques
  • Implementing Fundamental Reforms in the Legislative Process
  • Social Movements after the War
  • The Unitary Governance Model Shows Traces of Federalism
  • Can nationalism be categorized as a legitimate school of historical leaders?
  •  Marx and 20th-century politics.
  •  How does technology affect the voting process?
  •  Is technology a need for current political culture?
  •  The evolution of fascism both before and after World War II.
  •  How successful are electoral reforms in developing free election institutions?
  •  How has 20th-century European politics been impacted by American foreign policy?
  • Environmental conflicts and contemporary politics.
  • global political modernization in the twenty-first century.
  • Changes made to the voting process by technology.

Trending Political Science Research Paper Topics

  • Discuss the role of peace and democracy, and democratic values in the making of the Liberal International Order
  • Critical analysis of the forms and functions of soft norms and informal law-making in International Migration Law
  • Critical analysis of the emergence of the Russia-China Axis and the impact of this axis on the present international order
  • Describe the challenges of protecting the Liberal International Order in the post-pandemic period including the impact of these challenges
  • How do civil society and especially women’s and gender political movements relate to the war?
  • What role does the changing, hegemonic masculinities play in the current war on both the Russian and Ukrainian sides (and beyond)? What constraints are men subject to in the current war, and what forms of resistance are emerging?
  • How can the intersectional perspectives contribute to a better understanding of forced migration by taking into account other categories such as poverty and sexual orientation?
  • Analysis of the impact of the Ukraine war on gender-based and/or sexualized violence in the region and, in turn, on civil society organizations in this area
  • Discuss the opportunities that arise from the increasing commitment of European states to feminist foreign policy
  • Why do states, and which ones (sending, transit, receiving), benefit from the wider spectrum of formats available to soft law (compact, partnership, dialogue, agenda, joint understanding)?

Out of the top political science research paper topics mentioned in this blog post, choose any topic of your choice. But when selecting a topic for your political science research paper, always go with the topic that you are comfortable with, and also, before finalizing your topic, check whether or not the topic you have selected has credible sources for reference. Remember, political science is a controversial subject, and hence be careful when writing your research paper.

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Loyola University Chicago

Department of philosophy.

PHIL 327: Topics in Political Philosophy

The Generic Catalog Description

This course will concentrate on a specific issue in political philosophy. Typical topics include civil disobedience, war and peace, theories of political revolution, theories of utopia, and punishment and criminal justice.

PHIL 327: Topics in Political Philosophy: Liberalism and Feminism (class is linked with Dr. Ingram's PHIL 480)

This course will examine the liberal and feminist traditions in contemporary social and political philosophy.  We will begin by considering the foundational liberal social contract theory of John Rawls.  We will then address the ways that feminists have incorporated and rejected liberal thought within their theories of justice and care.  The course will also address radical feminist approaches that question the dominant liberal rights-based framework.  We will consider issues such as distributive justice and the family, the gendered basis for care and caregiving, multiculturalism and feminism, and liberal versus radical feminist positions on pornography.  Readings for the course will draw from the Anglo-American tradition in philosophy, possibly including works by authors such as John Rawls, Susan Moller Okin, Martha Nussbaum, Eva Kittay, Catharine MacKinnon, and Shulamith Firestone.

PHIL 327: Topics in Political Philosophy: Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy

How should we, as social beings, live together?  This is the fundamental question of political philosophy.  This course will address this question directly.  Following the example of Plato, we will think about an Ideal Society.  Specifically, we will ask, given the knowledge and resources that we possess, what is the best form of society that we, in the United States today, might construct? 

Virtually everyone would agree as to the basic political structure of our ideal society.  It should be a democracy.  Democracy has proven itself to be a durable and contagious ideal.  The history of the past several centuries has witnessed a steady deepening of democracy to include all citizens of a society and a steady spread of democracy--at least as an ideal--throughout the world.

There may be agreement about political structure, at least in broad outline, but there is no agreement about that other fundamental feature of a society--its economic structure.  It is this disagreement that will be the focus of this course.  Should our economic structure remain capitalist?  If so, to what sort of capitalism should we aspire, a conservative free-market economy that gives keeps governmental intervention to a minimum, or a more liberal version that would, among other things, allow the government to regulate the economy more and significantly redistribute income and wealth.  Or should we aim for something more drastic.  Should we aim for a "green" economy that incorporates both capitalist and socialist structures.  Or should we try to move beyond capitalism altogether?  Does there exist an economically viable socialist alternative to capitalism, or has the socialist project been wholly discredited?  If an economically viable alternative to capitalism does exist, is it worth fighting for?

To clarify the issues, we will read three books and a set of articles, each representing a contending view: conservative, liberal, green and socialist.  The conservative position is represented by the most influential economist of the post-World-War-Two period, Milton Friedman. We will read his classic statement, which is still, as you will see, highly relevant. The liberal position is represented by several figures, the philosopher John Rawls, the British philosopher/political scientist, Brian Barry and the economist James Galbraith.  The green position will be represented by another classic text, E. F. Schumacher's Small is Beautiful.  The socialist position will be set out in David Schweickart’s After Capitalism. 

These readings will comprise the first two-thirds of the course.  During the last third the class will divide into four groups, each of which will draw up a blueprint for its own Ideal Society, based (at least loosely) on one of the above perspectives.  The course will culminate in a Great Debate, in which each group attempts to defend its vision against the alternatives.

PHIL 327: Topics in Political Philosophy: Globalization Ethics

Thomas Wren

In this course we will explore economic and cultural issues of globalization, with particular attention to their normative dimensions of economic and cultural issues such as nationalism, colonialism, immigration,  cultural identity, group rights, and related topics such as global ecology.

We will draw on a variety of sources, including videos as well as books and articles. We will begin the course with excerpts from classic works such as Aristotle's Politics , Rousseau's Social Contract , Immanuel Kant's Perpetual Pea ce, and perhaps Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels's Communist Manifesto .    We will then look at texts from contemporary authors such as John Rawls. Jurgen Habermas, Thomas Pogge, Iris young, and  Seyla Benhabib.  The readings will be supplemented with several videos about some of the disturbing by-products of globalization.

This class will meet with Dr. Ingram's graduate seminar (PHIL 480) for lectures and video presentations, though not for the scheduled discussion sessions. 

Philosophy 327: Critical Theory: Classical and Contemporary Readings

David Ingrim

The course will survey some of the major themes and thinkers associated with the Frankfurt School of critical social theory. Besides examining issues  - most notably the dialectic of enlightenment, the authoritarian personality, and the problem of technology - that preoccupied first-generation critical theorists  Herbert Marcuse, Theodor Adorno, and Max Horkheimer, we will also discuss problems of communicative intersubjectivity, moral development, and self-identity that have dominated the thought of second-generation critical theorist Jürgen Habermas. We will then examine a major contemporary work on globalization and global solidarity by one of Habermas’s former students, Hauke Brunkhorst.

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Loyola University Chicago

Our political debates may not be as antagonistic as we think, study shows

image shows a phone screen with speech bubbles filled with *$((*&@($ representing obscenities

Spend any time scrolling through social media or news sites and it feels like America is a nation in constant argument. Off-hand remarks often spark fierce screaming matches. Partisanship is up, Gallup tells us , while trust in institutions is down .

However, a new study co-authored by Berkeley Haas Assistant Professor Erica R. Bailey suggests this perception may not accurately reflect the nature and frequency of political debates among everyday Americans. In three studies involving nearly 3,000 participants, researchers found most debates occur not with strangers on social media but rather among family and friends. Moreover, participants often felt positive after such discussions

“We have these misperceptions because of algorithmic amplification of negative media and negative interactions on social media coupled with the fact that we tend to really remember negative information,” says Bailey. “It creates this perception that we’re all just out there fighting with strangers.”

In fact, one study with a representative sample of nearly 2,000 Americans showed that people overestimate how frequently others engage in debates—and this misperception is especially pronounced for debates with strangers online. This false perception has psychological costs, the researchers say, fueling increased feelings of hopelessness about the future of America.

“Our findings suggest that Americans may experience a false reality about the landscape of debate which can unnecessarily undermine their hope about the future,” the researchers wrote in the study, published in the journal Scientific Reports and co-authored by Michael W. White , Sheena S. Iyengar , and Modupe Akinola of Columbia Business School.

Difficult and nuanced conversations

Bailey says the genesis of the project was reflecting on her own experience. “When I think about who I talk about hot-button issues with, it’s my colleagues and friends,” she says. “Engaging online feels like a waste of time. Why would I have a difficult and nuanced conversation with someone I don’t know or trust?”

Bailey, who studies authenticity, says online debates often feel artificial, with people less willing to openly share their personal experiences and more often just trying to make a point. But while we have a daily ringside seat to the most heated online debates, we lack line-of-sight into people’s private kitchen-table conversations—and these are harder for researchers to observe, recreate, and measure.

Perceptions of ‘typical’ debates

In their first study, the researchers asked 282 participants to freely recall a recent debate they had witnessed or participated in. About half of the participants described debates they observed online, and recounted that these interactions skewed more negative than positive. Interestingly, the respondents believed these instances were representative of typical debates, highlighting a perception that debates—particularly online—are generally seen as negative.

Personal experiences with debate

The second phase included two studies delving into personal debate experiences. The first involved 215 people in a behavioral science research lab, while the second included 526 individuals recruited online. Participants in both groups were asked about the topics they debated over the past year, who they debated with, and how they felt afterward. They were also asked to choose from a list of twenty common topics—including climate change, gun control, gender identity issues, and reparations for slavery—which ones they had debated.

The results revealed that reproductive rights and vaccines were the most common topics, while other contentious issues, such as policing and immigration, were debated less frequently. Most of the topics were debated by less than half of participants. Contrary to the popular belief of hostile online interactions, participants said the majority of their debates occurred with family, friends, and other close contacts.

In terms of emotional impact, online participants reported that their average post-debate feeling was positive, suggesting that discussions, even on divisive topics, often ended on a constructive note. The lab participants’ feelings were neutral, neither overwhelmingly positive nor negative.

“That was surprising to me, since I was not expecting for people to report feeling positive after a debate,” Bailey says. “That suggests that at least on some topics, people are better at finding a compromise or at least ending on a positive note.”

Measuring misperceptions and their impact

The third study was an investigation into how Americans perceive debates compared to their actual experiences. About 2,000 Americans in a nationally representative sample were randomly assigned to either self-report their own debate experiences or to predict how often others engage in debates.

The results were striking. Across almost all categories, people significantly overestimated the frequency of debates, especially online debates involving strangers (the exception was in-person debates with family members). In addition, this overestimation was strongly linked to a sense of hopelessness about the future of America.

Implications

The research highlights a critical gap between perception and reality. “Taken together, these findings suggest that the ‘typical’ debate seems substantively different than two strangers typing at one another from behind their computer screens,” the researchers write. This misperception could be due to the visibility and virality of negative content on social media platforms, where extreme views often get amplified over moderate or conciliatory tones.

Second, the findings suggest that these misperceptions could be contributing to broader societal despair regarding the political climate and the future of democracy in America. By assuming that debates are overwhelmingly negative and frequent, people may feel a sense of futility about political engagement and discourse. (The researchers cautioned that this connection was largely correlational.)

Lastly, the research points to the need for interventions that not only make debates more productive but also adjust public perceptions about political debate. Educating the public about the actual dynamics of debates could help mitigate feelings of hopelessness and encourage more constructive and hopeful engagement with political processes.

Read the paper:

Americans misperceive the frequency and format of political debate By Erica Bailey, Michael W. White, Sheena S. Iyengar, and Modupe Akinola Scientific Reports , March 2024

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May 13, 2024

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Psychological research offers strategies for healthy political discussions among people with opposing views

by American Psychological Association

voter

Civilized political debates may seem increasingly out of reach as democracies across the world face rising polarization, but people still want to discuss issues with people they disagree with—especially those who present themselves as balanced and willing to seek solutions that work for everyone or open to learning new information, according to two studies published by the American Psychological Association.

One study, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General , examines how U.S. politicians and ordinary Americans with opposing political beliefs could share their ideas on divisive issues in a way that improved respect regardless of political party.

While reviewing a video series featuring real-world politicians solving political dilemmas designed to help voters evaluate the thoughtfulness of political candidates, researchers realized that the videos made viewers from the opposing party more open to learning about the politicians' platform. They found this was because the videos made the politicians look balanced and pragmatic, two key characteristics of wise decision-makers.

"It's easy for us to think about members of both parties as being completely biased in favor of their side. But what happens so much of the time is that people talk past each other or show more interest in pointing out the ridiculous things the other side is doing rather than actually finding solutions," said co-author Curtis Puryear, Ph.D., a post-doctoral researcher in the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

"Our findings suggest that if you show you care about understanding the other side's concerns, it goes a long way towards fostering respect."

Puryear and co-author Kurt Gray, Ph.D., of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, conducted eight experiments with more than 3,500 participants to test the effectiveness of political messages that relied on balanced pragmatism, an approach to conflict that focuses on showing concern for both sides' interests while prioritizing practical solutions.

In one experiment, 505 Americans from different political parties evaluated a series of posts on the social media platform X by members of the U.S. House of Representatives. From a sample of more than 50,000 posts made by the representatives' official accounts, the researchers selected 120 posts that discussed political issues without criticizing the opposing party and varied in how balanced and pragmatic each post was.

Each participant evaluated 30 posts, rating them based on how balanced and pragmatic each post seemed, the post's overall tone, how divisive the post seemed, how much they respected the politician and how interested they would be in hearing more about the politician's point of view.

The researchers found that posts that combined balance with pragmatism were the most likely to increase participants' respect for a politician and their willingness to engage with them. Posts in which a politician mainly expressed a desire to find effective solutions improved participants' respect regardless of party, but this was not as effective at garnering respect compared with politicians who also presented a balanced view of an issue.

The benefits of balanced pragmatism for fostering respect were even more pronounced for posts discussing highly divisive issues, like immigration and abortion.

"Logical analyses and strong arguments can make us see someone as competent, which is a trait we value in leaders and friends," said Puryear. "But people also want leaders who understand their constituents, who care about their concerns, and have the practical knowledge to find solutions. These are the qualities of balanced and pragmatic leaders."

In another experiment, researchers focused on whether ordinary Americans could also use balanced pragmatism to improve their political conversations. They recruited 211 Democrats in favor of decreasing deportations of undocumented immigrants and 85 Republicans in favor of increasing deportations. The participants were shown four comments written by participants in a previous experiment who argued their position on deportation using either balanced pragmatism or logical reasoning.

Overall, people were just as likely to say they wanted to have a conversation with someone who disagreed with their views on immigration when that person appeared balanced and pragmatic as they were to say they wanted to talk with someone from their own political party.

While it can be difficult for people to present their views on a divisive issue in a way that respects an opposing viewpoint and looks for a common solution, it could help solve the rising political animosity that we are facing, Puryear said.

"Being balanced and pragmatic takes effort," he said. "But it is like building any other habit: Changing how we approach politics takes commitment and practice. We can each take it upon ourselves to do that."

Another study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , found that people could be willing to discuss controversial topics, such as gender-neutral language, with people who had opposing views when both express intellectual humility.

Intellectual humility is the recognition that your knowledge has limits and your beliefs could be wrong. It does not mean that someone who is intellectually humble is insecure or that they don't have informed opinions, only that they are willing to acknowledge that they do not know everything.

"Intellectual humility could be an important aspect when trying to understand how to help people engage in these discussions on divisive issues," said the study's lead author, Larissa Knöchelmann, MSc, a research fellow and advanced Ph.D. student at Philipps-Universität Marburg. "Political discussions are important for a democratic society. When people have conversations, they can learn about new perspectives, reduce misunderstandings and work together."

The researchers conducted four experiments with more than 1,600 participants. In one experiment, they asked 451 Germans about their beliefs regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and whether it should be mandatory, a highly polarized debate in Germany when the experiment was conducted.

They were then asked to imagine an online meeting with a new neighbor whose views on vaccination were either the same as or contrary to theirs. They also saw a statement from their neighbor that indicated whether controversial discussions were "boring" because the neighbor felt they knew enough about the topic already or "exciting" because it was an opportunity to learn more.

The researchers found that intellectually humble participants had warmer feelings and more positive evaluations toward groups of people with different political opinions.

Additionally, intellectual humility shaped whether participants were willing to interact with others or not. While non-humble participants would rather talk with someone who shared their opinion, intellectually humble participants did not discriminate between those having the same or a contrary opinion.

Overall, intellectually humble conversation partners were approached more and avoided less because participants perceived them as more likable and the respective conversation as more calm, comfortable and open.

"Many German citizens have the impression that open political debates and an exchange of opinions are not possible anymore. This is especially the case when it comes to emotionally charged political topics," said Knöchelmann. "Our research now shows that intellectual humility can help to make people more willing to engage with others."

Curtis Puryear et al, Using "Balanced Pragmatism" in Political Discussions Increases Cross-Partisan Respect, PsyArXiv (2021). DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/yhpdt

Journal information: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , Journal of Experimental Psychology: General

Provided by American Psychological Association

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  1. 100+ Research Topics In Politics (+ Free Webinar)

    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 ...

  2. 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.

  3. Political Theory: Sage Journals

    Political Theory (PT), peer-reviewed and published bi-monthly, serves as the leading forum for the development and exchange of political ideas.Broad in scope and international in coverage, PT publishes articles on political theory from a wide range of philosophical, ideological and methodological perspectives. Articles address contemporary and historical political thought, normative and ...

  4. Political Philosophy Research Paper Topics

    100 Political Philosophy Research Paper Topics. Political philosophy holds an esteemed position in the vast realm of philosophical inquiry, examining the fundamental nature of governance, rights, freedom, and societal structures. As societies evolve, so too does the need for a deepened understanding of the principles that guide them.

  5. 100 Political Science Research Topics in 2024

    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. ...

  6. 340 Political Science Research Topics & Ideas for Your Paper

    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.

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    Political Theory Research Topics. The Idea of Political Theory. Varieties of Political Theory. The foundations of a fair policy. Power: politics, identity and the Law. Political thought as theory. Research about political ideologies. The founding political ideologies in modernity.

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    Regulating data access and addressing privacy concerns will need extensive policymaking. Modernizing data governance is a current topic in political science research. 10. Regulating Disinformation In the United States Through Public Policy. Americans are turning to social media and biased websites to make sense of politics.

  9. 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.

  10. Research Guides: Politics Research Guide: Find a Research Question

    Topical Reviews. Hundreds of annotated guides to recent scholarship in topics across all subfields of political science and international relations. Provides up-to-date, peer-reviewed surveys of major topics, theories, and research questions across all areas of political science. These peer-reviewed articles cover major topics, theories, and ...

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  12. Empirical Political Theory: A Template for a Research Design and a

    This empirical and methodological turn has brought about a debate regarding the form and desirability of such empirically grounded political theory. We aim, first, to clarify what the empirical turn in political theory implies for research in political theory. We shall situate such empirically grounded political theory in contemporary analytic ...

  13. Political Theory

    Political Theory at Stanford approaches the study of justice, legitimacy, and power by conjoining normative theory (reflection on political values), positive theory (study of how values can be achieved by institutions), and the intellectual history of political thought (from Plato to Rawls). Among the topics with which our faculty and students are concerned are democracy, equality, rule of law ...

  14. Political Science Research Topics: 200+ Captivating Ideas

    Political Science Philosophy Research Topics. Everyone knows that political science research topics can be extremely fragile and complex. There are numerous ideas dispersed throughout your research paper. This polity section deals with the most abstract levels of government, liberty, legal code mechanics, democracy, and arguments involved in ...

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    political theories; theory-oriented research always does. Theory is a tool in one type of research; it is an end in itself in the other. But no matter which type of research one is currently engaged in, it is worth taking a closer look at the nature of theory. Political Theories and Research Topics Cha 2 PTeR

  16. Gov 63: Topics and Resources in Political Theory

    Philosophy, History & Politics. Annual Reviews offers comprehensive, timely collections of critical reviews written by leading scholars. PhilPapers (Philosophical Research Online) is a comprehensive index of philosophy books and articles. It offers unique features such as real-time indexing of pre-prints, fine-grained classification by topic ...

  17. 135 Great Political Science Research Topics for Students

    Check out these current research topics in political science: Talk about the innovations in the public sector in the UK. Analyze the 2019 Indian general elections. The Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023. Russia's foreign policy towards Ukraine. Discuss the rise of ISIS in Afghanistan. Boko Haram's expansion in Nigeria.

  18. Research

    Research in the Department of Political Science is organized around four subfields - American Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, and International Relations. The Department also pursues, hosts and collaborates with a series of research initiatives. Additionally, Political Science faculty are affiliated with a number of research centers and programs at Johns Hopkins University .

  19. Top 120 Political Science Research Topics

    Philosophy Research Topics This branch of political science focuses on government, liberty, justice, democracy, legal code mechanics, and other fundamental state legislation. Most essays on this field focus mote on how society is set up as well as the ethics that should apply there.

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    Political science research topics cover many fascinating arenas, like comparative politics, public administration, international relations, political theory, and public law. Some themes may explore the impact of social media on political campaigns, scrutinize the role of diplomacy in conflict resolution, or examine voter behavior patterns.

  21. 57 questions with answers in POLITICAL THEORY

    1 answer. Jun 23, 2020. Dogmatism is a rigid, uncritical adherence to beliefs, doctrines and theories. I am convinced that we encounter dogmatism very often in political theory and the history of ...

  22. 230 Best Political Science Research Topics to Deal With

    Political Science Philosophy Research Topics. Republican Traditions in Education. Causes of the American Revolution. Election Ethics. German Philosophy & Karl Schmidt Theses. Transition Methods in the Post-Socialist Era. Liberal democracy justification. Civil Republicanism in contrast with Liberalism.

  23. PHIL 327: Topics in Political Philosophy

    Typical topics include civil disobedience, war and peace, theories of political revolution, theories of utopia, and punishment and criminal justice. PHIL 327: Topics in Political Philosophy: Liberalism and Feminism (class is linked with Dr. Ingram's PHIL 480) This course will examine the liberal and feminist traditions in contemporary social ...

  24. Our political debates may not be as antagonistic as we think, study

    The second phase included two studies delving into personal debate experiences. The first involved 215 people in a behavioral science research lab, while the second included 526 individuals recruited online. Participants in both groups were asked about the topics they debated over the past year, who they debated with, and how they felt afterward.

  25. Psychological research offers strategies for healthy political

    This is especially the case when it comes to emotionally charged political topics," said Knöchelmann. "Our research now shows that intellectual humility can help to make people more willing to ...

  26. Getting out of the political echo chamber

    This is especially the case when it comes to emotionally charged political topics," said Knöchelmann. "Our research now shows that intellectual humility can help to make people more willing to engage with others." Articles: "Using 'Balanced Pragmatism' in Political Discussions Increases Cross-Partisan Respect," by Curtis Puryear ...