Political Science Research Topics: 270 Best Ideas

Political science is such a diverse field that it’s nearly impossible to get bored by it. After all, it seeks to explain all the facets of politics, governance, and power, as well as how they impact lives on individual and global scales.

If you’re studying political science, there are tons of research paper topics you could explore. After all, this discipline covers everything from globalization to public policy, human rights to security, and forms of government to conflict resolution.

Don’t know which topic to pursue in your next political science paper? You’re in luck: DoMyEssay’s experts have prepared a list of 270 political science topics for virtually any need. Find them below, along with tips on choosing the right one!

Political Science Research Topics: Our Selection

To prepare this list, our experts reflected on their experience in writing political science research papers and chose the 15 most compelling topics for each of the 18 categories below. Here are the 270 political science research paper topics bound to fire up your neurons.

Current Research Topics In Political Science

First on our list, these 15 topics delve into the most relevant research topics currently creating the buzz in political science:

• Populism’s global rise and democratic backsliding
• Social media’s role in shaping political polarization
• Authoritarian resilience in the digital age
• Climate change governance and international cooperation
• Disinformation campaigns and election integrity
• Migration politics and border securitization
• Gender representation in legislatures
• Cybersecurity as a national security challenge
• The geopolitics of artificial intelligence
• Post-pandemic state capacity and legitimacy
• Human rights enforcement in global institutions
• Economic inequality and democratic stability
• Federalism and crisis management
• Regional organizations and conflict mediation
• Youth movements and political participation

Easy Political Science Research Topics

Let’s face it: not everyone has all the time in the world to spend hours researching a somewhat obscure topic. If that sounds like your current predicament, these 15 topics are up your alley:

• Term limits and their impact on governance
• Voter turnout in local elections
• Political party financing and transparency
• Civic education’s role in shaping participation
• The influence of televised debates on voters
• Comparative study of parliamentary vs. presidential systems
• Electoral reforms and proportional representation
• Public opinion polling and accuracy
• Role of lobbying in policymaking
• Political scandals and public trust
• Impact of compulsory voting laws
• Media freedom and government accountability
• Civil society organizations and democracy building
• Urban vs. rural voting behavior
• Political cartoons as tools of critique

Political Science Research Paper Topics on Emerging Issues

Certain issues dominate today’s international relations and domestic policymaking alike. These 15 topics on emerging issues were pulled right out of the headlines:

• Digital currencies and state sovereignty
• Space governance and militarization
• Quantum computing and cybersecurity policy
• Ethics of autonomous weapons in warfare
• Global regulation of biotech and gene editing
• Smart cities and surveillance politics
• Data privacy laws in comparative perspective
• Climate migration and refugee policy
• The politics of global supply chains
• Ocean governance and resource competition
• Non-state actors in global health security
• Indigenous rights in environmental policymaking
• The geopolitics of rare earth minerals
• AI-driven misinformation detection policies
• Pandemic treaty negotiations in the WHO

Political Science Research Topics on Public Policy

Curious about what makes public policy tick? Or whether certain policymaking decisions are indeed sound? If so, here are 15 topics you’ll find interesting:

• Minimum wage policies and employment outcomes
• Universal basic income experiments and lessons
• Housing affordability and rent control policies
• Education funding equity across regions
• Healthcare system reforms in comparative perspective
• Renewable energy subsidies and policy effectiveness
• Taxation fairness and progressive tax debates
• Gun control policies and public safety outcomes
• Welfare-to-work programs and social mobility
• Drug decriminalization and public health impacts
• Infrastructure investment and regional development
• Food security policies in urban areas
• Public transportation subsidies and equity
• Pension reform and aging populations
• Disaster preparedness and government response policies

Political Science Thesis Topics on Global Issues

Today, an event in one corner of the globe can trigger a backlash in another or even lead to a global crisis. Here are 15 topics on global issues exploring this interconnectedness:

• Global water scarcity and transboundary conflicts
• Nuclear non-proliferation in the 21st century
• The politics of global trade wars
• International cooperation on plastic pollution
• Refugee resettlement policies across regions
• Global terrorism networks and counterterrorism strategies
• The role of BRICS in global governance
• Global taxation debates on multinational corporations
• International labor standards and workers’ rights
• Global digital divide and inequality
• Global food supply chain disruptions
• The politics of Arctic governance
• Global health diplomacy beyond pandemics
• Sanctions as tools of international policy
• The future of multilateralism in the UN

Political Science Project Topics on Conflict Resolution

Politics isn’t just about policymaking and international agreements. It’s also a tool for resolving intra- and international conflicts, and these 15 topics focus on this specific area of study:

• Power-sharing agreements in post-conflict states
• The role of truth and reconciliation commissions
• Mediation by religious leaders in civil wars
• Impact of ceasefire monitoring missions
• Restorative justice in transitional societies
• Role of women in peace negotiations
• Grassroots peace building in divided communities
• Impact of economic incentives on peace deals
• Post-conflict disarmament and reintegration programs
• Cultural diplomacy as a conflict resolution tool
• Hybrid courts in addressing war crimes
• The role of regional mediators in peace talks
• Peace education programs in conflict zones
• Nonviolent resistance and regime change
• Media’s role in post-conflict reconciliation

Security Research Topics in Political Science

With global threats on the rise, security-focused rhetoric now permeates the political discourse. If you want to separate facts from fiction when it comes to security, consider these 15 topics:

• Private military contractors and state sovereignty
• Maritime security in contested seas
• Urban security policies in megacities
• The politics of nuclear deterrence modernization
• Drone warfare and international norms
• Biosecurity threats and global preparedness
• Energy security in resource-dependent states
• Securing critical infrastructure from cyberattacks
• Space security and satellite vulnerability
• Human trafficking as a security challenge
• Piracy and naval cooperation in global waters
• Border militarization and human rights
• Hybrid warfare strategies in modern conflicts
• Small arms proliferation and regional instability
• Environmental degradation as a security issue

Compelling Political Science Topics for Presentation

Need to make a presentation for your political science class? These 15 ideas make for great topics to explore in this particular format:

• The rise of coalition governments in multiparty systems
• Termination of authoritarian regimes: case studies
• The impact of diaspora communities on homeland politics
• Political satire and its influence on public opinion
• Civic technology and participatory governance
• The role of petitions in shaping legislation
• Regional autonomy movements in democratic states
• Parliamentary immunity and accountability debates
• Political advertising and voter persuasion
• Public protests as a tool for policy change
• The symbolism of national anthems and flags
• Campaign finance reforms in comparative perspective
• Political leadership styles and crisis outcomes
• Celebrity politicians and democratic culture
• The politics of language policy in education

Government Research Topics

Political science researchers routinely debate forms of government and how they should function. If you want to jump in on the debate, these 15 topics are worth looking into:

• Cabinet reshuffles and policy continuity
• Bureaucratic efficiency in public administration
• Ombudsman institutions and citizen trust
• Digital government services and accessibility
• Comparative analysis of emergency powers
• Decentralization and local government autonomy
• Budget transparency and fiscal accountability
• Civil service reforms in developing countries
• Intergovernmental relations in federal systems
• The politics of government shutdowns
• Role of technocrats in policymaking
• Coalition-building in fragmented legislatures
• The impact of administrative corruption on governance
• Public sector unions and government reforms
• Citizen assemblies as tools for policymaking

Politics Research Topics on Globalization

There’s no turning back the clock on globalization, but it remains a hot research field for political scientists. Each of these 15 topics makes for a great deep dive into the phenomenon:

• Globalization’s impact on national sovereignty
• Cultural homogenization vs. cultural preservation
• Global cities as centers of political influence
• The role of international NGOs in policymaking
• Labor migration and global labor rights
• Globalization and the rise of populism
• Trade liberalization and domestic inequality
• The impact of globalization on indigenous communities
• Transnational activism and social movements
• Global financial institutions and democratic accountability
• Globalization and changing concepts of citizenship
• The politics of global food systems
• Global tourism and its political effects
• Cross-border environmental cooperation under globalization
• Globalization’s influence on higher education policies

Research Topics on Human Rights

Human rights represent the compelling idea that every person is born with intrinsic, irrevocable rights. Here are 15 human rights topics for research in political science:

• The role of international courts in human rights enforcement
• Freedom of expression in authoritarian regimes
• Human rights implications of counterterrorism policies
• Digital surveillance and the right to privacy
• Political prisoners and international advocacy campaigns
• Human rights monitoring by civil society groups
• Indigenous land rights and state policies
• Women’s rights and political participation reforms
• Human rights clauses in trade agreements
• Refugee rights under international law
• Corporate accountability for human rights violations
• Children’s rights in conflict zones
• Transitional justice and victims’ reparations
• The politics of banning torture practices
• Human rights education in school curricula

Comparative Politics Research Topics

Curious about the differences and similarities in how political institutions work across countries and regions? These 15 topic ideas will be a great excuse to explore them:

• Electoral systems and party fragmentation across democracies
• Constitutional design in newly democratized states
• Comparing judicial independence in different regions
• Civil-military relations in democratic vs. authoritarian regimes
• Welfare state models in Europe and Asia
• Policy diffusion across neighboring countries
• Legislative oversight in presidential vs. parliamentary systems
• Role of traditional institutions in modern governance
• Comparative analysis of decentralization reforms
• The politics of coalition governments across regions
• Comparing anti-corruption strategies in emerging economies
• Populist movements in established vs. young democracies
• Comparative study of minority rights protections
• Media regulation in consolidated vs. fragile democracies
• Comparing voter behavior in rural and urban areas

Political Research Paper Topics on International Relations

International affairs span everything from South-South cooperation to sports diplomacy. These 15 topics can be your opportunity to examine the intricacies of international affairs more closely:

• The balance of power in a multipolar world
• The role of middle powers in global politics
• International sanctions and their unintended consequences
• Nuclear diplomacy and strategic stability
• The politics of humanitarian military interventions
• Energy geopolitics and global security
• The role of think tanks in shaping foreign policy
• Regional security complexes in the Middle East
• The influence of international law on state behavior
• The rise of South-South cooperation
• Maritime disputes and freedom of navigation
• Sports diplomacy as a tool of soft power
• The role of diasporas in foreign policy influence
• Regional trade agreements vs. global trade regimes
• The politics of foreign aid allocation

Research Topics on Political Corruption

Corruption isn’t just a sad fact of life: it’s also a compelling area of study for political scientists. These 15 topics can be a good start for you if you want to join them:

• Clientelism and its impact on democratic accountability
• Corruption in public procurement systems
• The role of whistleblowers in exposing corruption
• Political immunity laws and corruption protection
• Measuring corruption: indices and their limitations
• Campaign financing and hidden corruption networks
• Nepotism in government hiring practices
• Judicial corruption and rule of law erosion
• Corruption in post-conflict reconstruction efforts
• Anti-corruption agencies and their effectiveness
• Media freedom and corruption exposure
• Corruption in natural resource management
• Vote buying and electoral malpractice
• Transnational corruption and money laundering
• The politics of pardons in corruption cases

American Political Science Topics for Research

Don’t feel like delving into the nuances of international affairs or other countries’ political systems? These 15 topics focus on American institutions and policies:

• The evolution of executive orders in U.S. governance
• The role of the Supreme Court in shaping social policy
• Polarization in the U.S. Congress over time
• The impact of gerrymandering on electoral outcomes
• Federal vs. state authority in healthcare policy
• The politics of immigration reform in the U.S.
• Influence of the Electoral College on presidential campaigns
• The growth of interest groups in U.S. politics
• Race and representation in American legislatures
• The role of religion in U.S. political discourse
• Checks and balances during national crises
• Campaign strategies in swing states
• Media partisanship in American politics
• The politics of Supreme Court nominations
• The impact of youth voting in U.S. elections

Political Philosophy Research Topics

If you’re interested in the foundational principles of politics and forms of government, consider these 15 topics that delve into political philosophy concepts like virtue and liberty:

• The social contract in contemporary democratic theory
• Justice and equality in Rawls vs. Nozick
• The legitimacy of civil disobedience
• The concept of positive vs. negative liberty
• Debates on paternalism in political philosophy
• Multiculturalism and the limits of liberalism
• The moral foundations of political obligation
• Theories of global distributive justice
• Republicanism and the idea of non-domination
• The ethics of secessionist movements
• Feminist critiques of classical political philosophy
• The role of virtue in political life
• Cosmopolitanism vs. nationalism in moral theory
• Property rights and theories of ownership
• The place of religion in public reason

Political Science Research Questions

Starting to work on a research project? These 15 examples of political research questions will help you zero in on yours:

• How do term lengths influence legislative productivity?
• What factors drive voter apathy in democracies?
• How does youth activism shape policy agendas?
• What explains variation in protest outcomes?
• How do debates influence undecided voters?
• What role do political symbols play in nation-building?
• How do government transparency initiatives affect trust?
• What conditions foster successful coalition-building?
• How does judicial review shape executive authority?
• What is the impact of diaspora voting rights?
• How do petitions influence legislative priorities?
• What explains differences in rural vs. urban turnout?
• How does civic technology alter policymaking?
• What role do celebrities play in political campaigns?
• How does language policy affect minority integration?

Political Theory Research Topics

Can’t wait to put on your analytical glasses and thoroughly examine political phenomena, processes, or institutions? These 15 political theory topics can be worth looking into:

• Sovereignty in the age of globalization
• Theories of democracy and their modern critiques
• The concept of power in Foucault’s political thought
• Utopian political theory and its relevance today
• The evolution of justice in classical vs. modern theory
• Postcolonial critiques of Western political thought
• The idea of the common good in political theory
• Theories of legitimacy in authoritarian regimes
• The state of nature across major theorists
• Contemporary debates on anarchism
• Deliberative democracy and its philosophical foundations
• Theories of representation in political thought
• Political obligation in contemporary contexts
• Freedom vs. security in political theory
• The role of language in political thought

How to Zero in on the Right Political Science Topic

Can’t figure out which topic would be the best for your paper? Consider:

• Your interests. The topic should fire up your neurons and make you want to learn more about it.
• Topic relevance. If you’re studying human rights in class, focusing on security-related political science topics for research would be a confusing choice.
• Feasibility. Make sure you can cover the topic within the time and word count allotted.
• Scope. The topic should be neither too general nor too narrowly defined. Settle on the level of specificity that allows you to say something substantial.

To select a topic:

• Do preliminary research
• Brainstorm relevant topics
• Rank them based on the factors listed above
• Choose the top-ranking topic

12 Do’s & Don’ts to Keep in Mind

We asked DoMyEssay’s experts to look back at their experience in selecting political science research topics. They came up with these 12 best practices for making sure you don’t regret your choice:

In Closing

Choosing the right topic is like laying a solid foundation for your house. A good topic will facilitate the whole writing process and help make a meaningful contribution to the field with your paper.

So, go ahead and take another look at our 270 political science research paper topics. Turn to them for inspiration, and don’t hesitate to tweak them as you see fit to make sure the final topic aligns with your interests and needs.

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