examples of research topics in politics and governance

Political Science Thesis Topics

300 Political Science Thesis Topics and Ideas

Political science is a vast field that examines the workings of governments, political systems, international relations, policies, and the forces that shape them. Whether you are interested in exploring contemporary political challenges, analyzing historical trends, or studying future policy implications, choosing the right thesis topic is crucial for a successful research project. This list of 300 political science thesis topics is divided into 10 categories, covering key areas such as foreign policy, political theory, and environmental politics. These topics offer students diverse opportunities to explore important political issues and contribute meaningful research to the field.

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Get 10% off with 24start discount code, 1. comparative politics thesis topics.

• A comparative study of presidential vs. parliamentary systems in promoting political stability.
• The role of political parties in shaping democratic governance in Latin America.
• A comparative analysis of electoral systems in France and the UK.
• Federalism and decentralization: Comparing the political outcomes in Canada and India.
• Comparing the effectiveness of proportional representation and first-past-the-post electoral systems.
• The role of women in politics: A comparative analysis of gender representation in Scandinavian countries vs. the US.
• Comparing authoritarian regimes: Case studies from North Korea and Venezuela.
• The impact of colonial legacy on governance: A comparative study of African states.
• Democratic backsliding in Eastern Europe: A comparative analysis of Poland and Hungary.
• Comparing the impact of political corruption on economic development in Nigeria and Brazil.
• The role of judicial independence in democratic consolidation: A comparative study of South Africa and India.
• The impact of globalism on nationalism: A comparative study of the US and Germany.
• Comparing welfare state models: Scandinavian vs. Anglo-American approaches.
• A comparative analysis of political party systems in multiethnic societies: Canada vs. Belgium.
• The impact of electoral reforms on voter turnout: A comparative study of Japan and Italy.
• The role of populism in European and Latin American politics: A comparative study.
• Comparing the impact of political leadership on economic reforms in South Korea and Taiwan.
• Political stability and economic development: A comparative study of Chile and Argentina.
• The role of military influence in politics: A comparative analysis of Turkey and Egypt.
• Comparing healthcare policy reforms in the UK and Germany.
• The impact of media on political polarization: A comparative study of the US and the UK.
• The role of civil society in democratization: A comparative study of South Africa and Brazil.
• Comparing the effects of political campaign finance laws in the US and Canada.
• The impact of refugee policies on political stability: A comparative study of Germany and Sweden.
• Comparing political responses to climate change in the EU and the US.
• The role of political parties in authoritarian regimes: A comparative analysis of China and Russia.
• Comparing public opinion on immigration policy in the US and Australia.
• The impact of trade policies on political relations: A comparative study of the US and China.
• Comparing the role of nationalism in the independence movements of Catalonia and Scotland.
• The political impact of environmental movements: A comparative study of the US and Germany.

2. Environmental Politics Thesis Topics

• The role of international environmental agreements in combating climate change.
• Comparing the effectiveness of carbon pricing policies in Europe and North America.
• The impact of environmental activism on policy reform: Case studies from the US and Brazil.
• The politics of water resource management: A comparative study of the Nile and Ganges river basins.
• Environmental justice and policy-making in marginalized communities: A US-based case study.
• The impact of corporate lobbying on environmental policy: A study of the fossil fuel industry.
• The role of environmental NGOs in shaping global climate change policies.
• Comparing the environmental policies of developing and developed countries: Case studies from India and Canada.
• The impact of deforestation policies on indigenous communities in the Amazon.
• The role of renewable energy policies in shaping international political relations.
• Comparing climate change adaptation policies in coastal cities: A case study of New York and Tokyo.
• Environmental policy failures and political accountability: A study of the Flint water crisis in Michigan.
• The impact of the Paris Agreement on global environmental governance.
• The role of green political parties in shaping environmental policy in Europe.
• A comparative analysis of sustainable development policies in China and India.
• The impact of biodiversity loss on international environmental negotiations.
• Political challenges in managing transboundary environmental issues: A case study of the Mekong River.
• The role of international trade policies in promoting or hindering environmental sustainability.
• Comparing national approaches to combatting plastic pollution in the EU and Southeast Asia.
• The politics of climate migration: Analyzing international responses to climate refugees.
• The role of local governments in promoting urban sustainability initiatives.
• Environmental politics in the Arctic: The geopolitical implications of melting ice.
• The impact of environmental disasters on political regimes: Case studies from Haiti and Japan.
• Comparing the effectiveness of international sanctions on environmental violations.
• The role of environmental ethics in shaping public policy.
• The impact of environmental education on political engagement and activism.
• Comparing the use of technology in addressing climate change: Case studies from Norway and the US.
• The politics of energy transitions: Analyzing Germany’s Energiewende policy.
• The role of indigenous political movements in environmental conservation: A case study of Australia.
• The global politics of forest conservation: Comparing policies in Brazil and Indonesia.

3. Foreign Policy Thesis Topics

• The role of diplomacy in resolving international conflicts: A case study of the Iran nuclear deal.
• The impact of economic sanctions on regime change: A study of North Korea and Venezuela.
• Comparing US foreign policy strategies in the Middle East and Asia.
• The role of international alliances in shaping foreign policy: A study of NATO.
• The impact of the global war on terror on US foreign policy.
• The influence of public opinion on foreign policy decisions: A case study of the Iraq War.
• The role of international organizations in shaping foreign policy: A study of the United Nations.
• The impact of globalization on foreign policy strategies in developing countries.
• Comparing the foreign policies of China and the US in Africa.
• The role of soft power in foreign policy: A case study of cultural diplomacy.
• The influence of energy policies on foreign relations: A study of the EU and Russia.
• The role of foreign aid in advancing US strategic interests in Africa.
• The impact of trade agreements on foreign policy: A case study of NAFTA.
• The role of foreign policy in addressing global health crises: A study of the Ebola outbreak.
• The influence of the military-industrial complex on US foreign policy.
• Comparing foreign policy responses to the Syrian refugee crisis in Europe.
• The role of intelligence agencies in shaping foreign policy decisions.
• The impact of international human rights law on foreign policy: A case study of Myanmar.
• The role of economic diplomacy in promoting trade relations between the US and China.
• The impact of climate change on foreign policy strategies: A study of the Arctic region.
• The role of foreign policy in managing global migration flows.
• Comparing the foreign policies of Russia and China in Central Asia.
• The influence of foreign policy on international environmental agreements.
• The impact of Brexit on UK foreign policy.
• The role of foreign policy in promoting international cybersecurity cooperation.
• Comparing the foreign policies of Japan and South Korea in addressing North Korean threats.
• The influence of international development aid on foreign policy: A study of the EU and Africa.
• The role of peacekeeping missions in shaping foreign policy strategies: A study of the UN.
• The impact of nuclear weapons policies on global security.
• Comparing US and EU foreign policy responses to Russian aggression in Ukraine.

4. Immigration Thesis Topics

• The role of immigration policies in shaping economic growth: A comparative study of the US and Canada.
• The impact of immigration on national identity: A case study of France and Germany.
• The role of immigration in labor market competition: A study of low-wage industries.
• The influence of immigration policies on political polarization in Europe.
• Comparing immigration detention policies in the US, Australia, and the UK.
• The impact of immigration on public services: A study of healthcare and education in Europe.
• The role of immigration in demographic changes and urban development in the US.
• The politics of refugee resettlement: A case study of Syrian refugees in Turkey and Germany.
• The role of international organizations in managing global migration: A study of the UN and IOM.
• The influence of immigration on social cohesion in multiethnic societies: A study of the UK and France.
• The impact of anti-immigration rhetoric on political campaigns in the US and Europe.
• Immigration policies and human rights: A case study of asylum seekers in Australia.
• The political economy of immigration: A comparative study of Mexico and the US.
• The role of immigration in shaping electoral outcomes: A study of the US and the UK.
• The impact of immigration on welfare systems in Europe.
• Comparing the integration policies of immigrants in Canada and Sweden.
• The role of remittances in the economic development of migrant-sending countries.
• The political impact of the European migrant crisis on the rise of populism in Italy and Hungary.
• Immigration and national security: A comparative study of border control policies in the US and Mexico.
• The influence of immigration on housing markets in urban areas.
• The role of family reunification policies in shaping immigration flows to the EU.
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global immigration policies.
• The role of immigration in regional economic integration: A case study of the EU.
• The influence of climate change on migration patterns: A case study of the Pacific Islands.
• The role of illegal immigration in shaping US-Mexico relations.
• The politics of deportation: A comparative study of deportation policies in the US and Canada.
• The impact of labor migration on social and political systems in the Gulf countries.
• The role of immigration in shaping the welfare debate: A study of the UK and Denmark.
• The influence of immigration policy reforms on undocumented immigrants in the US.
• The role of temporary visa programs in shaping labor migration: A study of Australia and the US.

5. International Relations Thesis Topics

• The role of international organizations in global conflict resolution: A case study of the United Nations.
• The impact of global trade agreements on international relations: A study of NAFTA and the WTO.
• The role of diplomacy in managing nuclear proliferation: A case study of North Korea and Iran.
• The influence of transnational corporations on international relations.
• The impact of globalization on state sovereignty: A case study of the EU and its member states.
• The role of international sanctions in shaping foreign policy: A study of Russia and Iran.
• Comparing the impact of regional organizations on peacekeeping: A case study of the African Union and NATO.
• The role of non-state actors in international conflict: A case study of ISIS and Al-Qaeda.
• The impact of climate change on international relations: A study of the Arctic region.
• The role of international law in addressing human rights abuses: A case study of the International Criminal Court.
• The influence of cultural diplomacy on international relations: A study of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
• The role of international financial institutions in shaping global governance: A case study of the IMF and World Bank.
• The impact of the rise of China on the international order: A comparative study of US and EU responses.
• The role of international relations in managing global public health crises: A case study of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The influence of international human rights treaties on domestic policies: A case study of gender rights in the Middle East.
• The role of soft power in international relations: A case study of US cultural influence in Europe.
• The impact of regional integration on international relations: A study of ASEAN and the EU.
• The role of international organizations in addressing global terrorism: A study of the UN and NATO.
• The influence of international trade on diplomatic relations: A case study of US-China relations.
• The role of international agreements in managing global environmental crises: A study of the Paris Agreement.
• The impact of the refugee crisis on international relations: A case study of the EU and Turkey.
• The role of international law in resolving territorial disputes: A study of the South China Sea.
• The influence of emerging technologies on international relations: A study of AI and cybersecurity.
• The role of international relations in promoting global sustainable development: A case study of the UN’s SDGs.
• The impact of economic interdependence on international conflict: A study of the US and China.
• The role of international organizations in promoting democracy and governance in Africa.
• The influence of foreign direct investment on international relations: A case study of China’s influence in Africa.
• The role of international relations in addressing global poverty and inequality.
• The impact of international migration on diplomatic relations: A case study of the US and Latin America.
• The role of international relations in addressing global food security challenges.

6. Local Government Thesis Topics

• The role of local governments in promoting sustainable urban development.
• Comparing the effectiveness of local vs. national governments in addressing homelessness.
• The impact of decentralization on public service delivery in developing countries.
• The role of local governments in managing public transportation systems: A case study of New York City and London.
• The influence of local government policies on economic development in rural areas.
• Comparing the role of local governments in disaster preparedness and response: A case study of Hurricane Katrina and the 2011 Japanese earthquake.
• The role of local governments in promoting participatory democracy: A study of town hall meetings in the US.
• The impact of local government policies on affordable housing in urban areas.
• The role of local governments in managing public health crises: A case study of COVID-19 responses in Italy and South Korea.
• Comparing the role of local and national governments in promoting education reform.
• The influence of local government policies on gentrification in major cities.
• The role of local governments in promoting renewable energy adoption.
• Comparing local government efforts in reducing crime: A case study of Los Angeles and Chicago.
• The impact of local government budgets on public services: A study of austerity policies in the UK.
• The role of local governments in supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship.
• The influence of local political parties on governance outcomes in city councils.
• The role of local governments in addressing climate change: A case study of green cities.
• The impact of local government corruption on public trust and governance.
• Comparing the role of local governments in managing immigration and refugee resettlement.
• The influence of local governments on transportation infrastructure development.
• The role of local governments in promoting public safety and law enforcement reform.
• The impact of local government initiatives on reducing racial and social inequality.
• The role of local governments in managing public parks and recreational spaces.
• The influence of local governments on environmental conservation efforts.
• The role of local governments in addressing food insecurity in urban areas.
• Comparing the role of local governments in promoting civic engagement: A study of US and UK cities.
• The impact of local government policies on water resource management.
• The role of local governments in managing waste and recycling programs.
• The influence of local governments on public transportation accessibility.
• The role of local governments in promoting digital infrastructure and smart city initiatives.

7. Political Economy Thesis Topics

• The impact of globalization on national economies: A comparative study of China and India.
• The role of trade policies in shaping political alliances: A case study of the US and the EU.
• The influence of political stability on foreign direct investment in developing countries.
• The role of political institutions in promoting economic growth: A study of South Korea and Taiwan.
• The impact of international trade agreements on domestic economic policies: A case study of NAFTA.
• The role of central banks in managing inflation and monetary policy: A study of the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank.
• The influence of political lobbying on economic inequality in the US.
• Comparing the economic policies of populist governments in Latin America.
• The role of political corruption in hindering economic development in Africa.
• The impact of austerity policies on social welfare programs: A case study of Greece.
• The role of political institutions in promoting inclusive economic growth: A study of the Nordic countries.
• The influence of international financial institutions on national economic policies: A case study of the IMF in Latin America.
• The impact of tax policies on income inequality: A comparative study of the US and Germany.
• The role of political parties in shaping economic reform agendas in emerging markets.
• The influence of economic crises on political regime stability: A study of Argentina and Venezuela.
• The role of international trade policies in promoting environmental sustainability.
• The impact of financial deregulation on economic inequality: A study of the US and the UK.
• The role of political institutions in managing economic crises: A case study of the 2008 financial crash.
• The influence of labor unions on wage policies and income distribution.
• The role of public policy in promoting economic innovation and entrepreneurship.
• The impact of foreign aid on political stability and economic development in Africa.
• The role of political economy in managing global public goods: A study of climate change.
• The influence of political coalitions on economic policy-making: A case study of coalition governments in Europe.
• The role of state-owned enterprises in promoting economic development in China.
• The impact of political risk on foreign direct investment in emerging markets.
• The influence of political economy on healthcare reform policies in the US and the UK.
• The role of international trade policies in addressing global poverty and inequality.
• The impact of government regulation on private sector development in developing countries.
• The role of political leadership in promoting economic recovery: A case study of post-apartheid South Africa.
• The influence of economic globalization on national sovereignty: A comparative study of the EU and the US.

8. Political Theory Thesis Topics

• The evolution of liberalism and its impact on modern democracies.
• A comparative analysis of Marxist theory and its application in the 21st century.
• The role of John Locke’s social contract theory in shaping modern political thought.
• The impact of Machiavellian principles on contemporary political leadership.
• The relevance of Rousseau’s concept of the “general will” in modern democracies.
• Exploring the relationship between individual freedom and state authority in political theory.
• A study of Hannah Arendt’s theory of power and its implications in contemporary politics.
• The role of feminism in reshaping political theory and practice.
• The influence of neoliberalism on global governance.
• The concept of justice in political theory: A comparative analysis of Rawls and Nozick.
• The relationship between democracy and capitalism in political theory.
• The impact of postcolonial theory on understanding power dynamics in global politics.
• The role of deliberative democracy in addressing political inequality.
• The concept of power in Foucault’s political theory and its relevance in modern governance.
• The influence of environmental political theory on contemporary political movements.
• A comparative analysis of classical and modern republicanism in political theory.
• The role of anarchism in shaping radical political movements.
• The concept of political obligation: An analysis of voluntarist and coercivist theories.
• The relevance of Karl Popper’s theory of open society in addressing authoritarianism.
• The impact of political theory on the development of international human rights.
• The intersection of race and political theory: An analysis of critical race theory.
• The role of utopian thought in political theory: A study of historical and contemporary utopias.
• The relationship between religion and state: A comparative analysis of secularism and theocracy.
• The influence of existentialism on political thought: An analysis of Sartre and Camus.
• The political theory of nationalism: Understanding its resurgence in the 21st century.
• The relevance of Thomas Hobbes’ theory of absolute sovereignty in modern political systems.
• The intersection of identity politics and political theory.
• The role of pragmatism in contemporary political theory: A study of Dewey and Rorty.
• The impact of globalization on political theory: A comparative analysis of cosmopolitanism and nationalism.
• The political theory of populism: Understanding its rise and challenges to democracy.

9. Public Administration Thesis Topics

• The role of public administration in promoting government accountability.
• The impact of e-governance on public service delivery: A case study of Estonia.
• Comparing the effectiveness of centralized vs. decentralized public administration models.
• The role of public administration in managing healthcare systems: A study of the US and the UK.
• The impact of public sector reforms on governance outcomes in developing countries.
• The role of public administration in disaster preparedness and response: A case study of FEMA.
• Comparing the role of public administration in local vs. national governments.
• The influence of new public management on public sector efficiency: A study of Australia and New Zealand.
• The role of public administration in promoting gender equality in government institutions.
• The impact of public administration on reducing corruption: A case study of transparency initiatives in Brazil.
• The role of public administration in promoting environmental sustainability in cities.
• Comparing the role of public administration in public vs. private sector partnerships.
• The influence of leadership in public administration: A study of bureaucratic leadership styles.
• The role of public administration in promoting social welfare programs: A comparative study of Sweden and Germany.
• The impact of technology on improving public administration processes.
• The role of public administration in crisis management: A case study of COVID-19 responses.
• The influence of public administration reforms on the efficiency of public services.
• The role of public administration in addressing poverty and inequality: A study of welfare policies.
• The impact of political patronage on public administration outcomes.
• Comparing the effectiveness of public administration in urban vs. rural settings.
• The role of public administration in managing public transportation systems.
• The influence of public sector unions on public administration reform policies.
• The impact of public administration on public health outcomes: A case study of the NHS.
• The role of ethics in public administration: A study of corruption control mechanisms.
• Comparing the impact of bureaucratic red tape on public administration efficiency in developed and developing countries.
• The role of public administration in promoting participatory governance: A study of citizen engagement in policy-making.
• The influence of international organizations on public administration reforms in developing countries.
• The role of public administration in managing diversity and inclusion in government institutions.
• The impact of civil service reforms on public administration outcomes in Africa.
• The role of public administration in promoting public-private partnerships for infrastructure development.

10. Public Policy Thesis Topics

• The role of public policy in addressing income inequality: A comparative study of the US and the UK.
• The influence of public policy on healthcare reform: A case study of the Affordable Care Act.
• The impact of environmental public policies on climate change mitigation efforts.
• The role of public policy in shaping education reform: A comparative study of Finland and South Korea.
• The influence of public policy on criminal justice reform: A study of prison reform initiatives.
• The impact of public policy on housing affordability: A case study of rent control policies in New York City.
• The role of public policy in promoting renewable energy adoption: A comparative study of Germany and Japan.
• The influence of public policy on social security and welfare programs: A study of the US and Sweden.
• The role of public policy in addressing gun control: A case study of the US.
• The impact of public policy on economic development in developing countries.
• The role of public policy in managing migration and refugee crises: A study of the EU.
• The influence of public policy on public transportation systems: A case study of urban mobility initiatives in Singapore.
• The impact of public policy on food security and agriculture: A study of agricultural subsidies in the EU.
• The role of public policy in regulating the tech industry: A case study of data privacy laws.
• The influence of public policy on gender equality: A comparative study of Nordic countries and the US.
• The role of public policy in managing national security: A study of counterterrorism policies.
• The impact of public policy on mental health services: A study of access and affordability.
• The role of public policy in promoting labor market flexibility: A study of labor reform in the EU.
• The influence of public policy on innovation and technology development: A case study of Silicon Valley.
• The role of public policy in managing the opioid crisis: A study of harm reduction strategies.
• The impact of public policy on pension reform and aging populations: A case study of Japan.
• The role of public policy in promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR): A study of sustainability initiatives.
• The influence of public policy on drug decriminalization: A case study of Portugal.
• The role of public policy in managing urban growth: A comparative study of smart city initiatives.
• The impact of public policy on tackling homelessness: A case study of affordable housing policies.
• The influence of public policy on disaster risk reduction: A case study of flood management policies.
• The role of public policy in regulating artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
• The impact of public policy on reducing racial inequality: A case study of affirmative action policies.
• The role of public policy in managing environmental justice issues in marginalized communities.
• The influence of public policy on sustainable tourism development: A comparative study of Costa Rica and Iceland.

This comprehensive list of 300 political science thesis topics spans a broad array of subfields within political science, offering students diverse opportunities to explore current issues, recent trends, and future directions. From comparative politics and political theory to public policy and international relations, each category provides thought-provoking topics that reflect the evolving landscape of global governance and political systems. Whether you are pursuing research in domestic policies or international affairs, this list is an essential resource for political science students seeking meaningful and impactful thesis topics.

The Range of Political Science Thesis Topics

Political science is a rich and multifaceted field that seeks to understand the theory and practice of politics and governance. From exploring the intricacies of international relations to analyzing the impact of public policy on everyday life, political science offers a broad spectrum of research opportunities. Students in this field have the unique chance to contribute to our understanding of how societies are governed, how policies are formulated, and how power is distributed. This article will explore the range of political science thesis topics, addressing current issues, recent trends, and future directions in the discipline.

Current Issues in Political Science

Political science is deeply intertwined with the pressing issues of our time. As the world grapples with challenges such as political instability, climate change, immigration crises, and shifting global power dynamics, political science provides the analytical tools to understand these phenomena.

• Populism and Political Polarization One of the most significant issues in contemporary political science is the rise of populism and political polarization. Across Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world, populist leaders have gained traction by appealing to voters disillusioned with traditional political elites. This has led to a growing divide between political factions, making compromise and governance increasingly difficult. Thesis topics could explore the causes of this populist surge, its impact on democracy, or how different countries have responded to these political movements.
• Immigration and National Identity Immigration is another pressing issue that political scientists must grapple with, especially as global migration patterns continue to shift. Countries around the world are facing challenges related to border security, refugee resettlement, and the integration of immigrants into society. At the same time, debates around national identity and sovereignty are intensifying. Thesis topics in this area could examine the political and social effects of immigration policies, the role of immigration in shaping national identity, or the rise of anti-immigration sentiment in certain regions.
• Climate Change and Environmental Politics The political ramifications of climate change are becoming increasingly urgent. Governments worldwide are under pressure to implement policies that address environmental degradation, promote sustainable development, and mitigate the effects of climate change. Political science students can examine how environmental policies are formulated, the role of international agreements like the Paris Agreement, or the influence of environmental movements on public policy. Research might also focus on the political challenges of transitioning to renewable energy or managing the geopolitical implications of climate-related migration.

Recent Trends in Political Science

Political science is also influenced by rapidly evolving trends that are reshaping both domestic and international political landscapes. Technological advancements, shifting global alliances, and the rise of new forms of governance are all areas that warrant attention.

• The Role of Technology in Politics Technology has dramatically transformed the way politics is conducted, from campaigning to governance. Social media platforms have become key battlegrounds for political discourse, with politicians using these platforms to communicate directly with their constituents, and activists mobilizing for social and political causes online. However, these platforms have also been implicated in the spread of misinformation, electoral interference, and the rise of political polarization. Thesis topics could explore the impact of social media on political campaigns, the ethical implications of data privacy in political strategy, or the regulation of tech companies in the political arena.
• Globalization and International Relations The continued integration of global economies has profound political consequences. International relations scholars are particularly interested in how globalization affects sovereignty, security, and diplomacy. Thesis topics in this area could focus on the role of international organizations like the United Nations or the World Trade Organization, the impact of free trade agreements, or the relationship between global economic shifts and political instability in certain regions. Additionally, the rise of China and the shifting dynamics of US-China relations present critical areas for exploration.
• The Evolving Role of Public Policy Public policy has become a key area of focus within political science, as governments seek to address issues ranging from healthcare reform to social inequality. In recent years, public policy research has increasingly focused on evidence-based policy-making, where data and research are used to shape and evaluate policies. Topics in this field could explore the effectiveness of various social welfare policies, the impact of education reform initiatives, or the role of public policy in addressing racial and gender disparities. Recent trends also include the study of regulatory policy in emerging industries like tech and biotechnology.

Future Directions in Political Science

As political science continues to evolve, new areas of inquiry are emerging that reflect the changing political and social landscape. From artificial intelligence to global cooperation, these future directions offer exciting opportunities for political science research.

• Artificial Intelligence and Governance The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and challenges for governance and public policy. As governments begin to integrate AI into their decision-making processes, political science students have the opportunity to explore the ethical, legal, and political implications of these technologies. Thesis topics could investigate how AI is being used in policy-making, the potential for AI to enhance democratic participation, or the risks of AI-driven surveillance on civil liberties. As AI continues to develop, political science will play a crucial role in understanding how these technologies shape political institutions and governance.
• Climate Governance and Geopolitics As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, the politics surrounding environmental governance will grow more complex. Future research could explore the geopolitical implications of climate change, such as conflicts over natural resources, the politics of climate-induced migration, or the role of international organizations in facilitating global climate action. Another area of interest is the political economy of transitioning to green technologies and renewable energy. These topics will become increasingly relevant as governments grapple with the long-term consequences of climate change.
• Global Cooperation in a Multipolar World The post-Cold War era of unipolarity, dominated by the United States, is gradually giving way to a multipolar world where various powers, including China, Russia, and the European Union, wield significant influence. This shift is reshaping global governance, alliances, and diplomatic strategies. Future thesis research could focus on the implications of this new multipolar order, the role of emerging powers in international organizations, or how global governance will adapt to the challenges posed by rising regional powers. Understanding these dynamics will be essential for students interested in international relations and global diplomacy.

Political science offers a wide array of research topics that reflect both the challenges and opportunities of our time. Whether exploring current issues like immigration, recent trends such as the role of technology in politics, or future directions like AI governance, students have the chance to make meaningful contributions to the field. As the global political landscape continues to evolve, political science will remain essential in helping us understand how governments function, how policies are made, and how power is distributed. By choosing a thesis topic that aligns with their academic interests and the pressing issues of the day, students can play an important role in shaping the future of political research.

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100 Best Political Science Research Topics

June 3, 2024

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

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

Picking Political Science Research Topics

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

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

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

Picking Political Science Research Topics (Cont.)

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

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

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

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

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

African politics.

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

2) Authoritarianism in the Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa

3) Comparative Political Structures of African Urban Governments

4) Democratization Policies and Political Movements in Africa

5) Ethnic and Religious Plurality in the Politics of Nigeria

6) National and Transnational LGBTQ Political Movements in Africa

7) Political Organization Around Climate Crises in Africa

8) Public Opinion on International NGOs in Africa

9) South Africa’s Governmental Policies for COVID Vaccination

10) Women in African Politics

Asian Politics

11) Competing Claims to Sovereignty in the South China Sea

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

13) Labor Politics in China

14) Media Politics and Expression in Asian Countries

15) Nationalism and Religious Minorities in India

16) Philippine Politics and the Illicit Drug Economy

17) Social Movements in East Asia

18) South Korean Policies Addressing Demographic Decline

19) Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong

20) Youth Protest Movements in Taiwan

Comparative Politics

21) Authoritarian Populism in Brazil, Hungary, and India

22) Countries that Host Foreign-Owned Nuclear Weapons

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

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

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

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

27) Income Inequality in Advanced Democracies

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

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

30) State Legitimacy and Authority in Botswana and Somalia

Political Science Topics (31-60)

European politics.

31) Authoritarianism and Media Politics in Turkey

32) Austerity, White Identity Politics, and Brexit

33) Ethnic and Religious Minority Representation in the European Union

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

35) Far-Right Political Mobilization in Europe

36) France’s Political Opposition to Multicultural Pluralism

37) Immigration, Islamophobia, and European Union Political Campaigns

38) Political Challenges and Opportunities for European Integration

39) Regime Transitions in Post-Communist Eastern Europe

40) Welfare State Development in Western Europe

International Relations

41) Border Security Politics, Immigration, and International Relations

42) Efficacy of International Criminal Justice Bodies

43) Energy Politics of International Relations

44) Global Economy of Illicit Drugs

45) Global Politics of Intellectual Property

46) International Conflict Management

47) International NGOs and Their Effects on National Politics

48) Political Responses to Transboundary Pollution

49) Preferential Trade Agreements and Tariff Wars

50) Regulation of International Private Corporations

Latin American Politics

51) Authoritarianism and Democratization in Brazil’s Political History

52) Christian Transnational Political Mobilization in Latin America

53) Electoral Volatility and Suppression in Venezuela

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

55) Guerilla Insurgencies in Latin America

56) Neoliberalism and Democracy in Latin America

57) Military Government in Latin America, 1959-1990

58) Populism’s Role in Shaping Latin American Politics

59) Poverty, Inequality, and Development in Latin America

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

Political Science Research Topics (61-90)

Methodology.

61) Accuracy and Reliability of Models Predicting Election Outcomes

62) Applying Game Theory to Understand Political Strategies

63) Development of Survey Methods and Research

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

65) Experimental Methods for Promoting Voter Turnout

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

67) Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Political Research

68) Machine Learning Techniques and Political Science

69) Researching Politics Through Big Data

70) Using Ethnography to Study Political Behavior and Institutions

Middle Eastern Politics

71) Comparative Politics of the Middle East and North Africa

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

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

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

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

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

77) Postcolonialism and the Political Development of Iran

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

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

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

Political Theory

81) Critical Political Theory and the Frankfurt School

82) Development of Political Thought in Ancient China

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

84) Feminist Interventions in Political Thought

85) Hegelian and Counter-Hegelian Political Thought

86) Intersectionality in Political Theory

87) Nationalist and Cosmopolitan Political Thought

88) Religion in Classical and Contemporary Political Thought

89) Political Representation and Policy Responsiveness to Public Opinion

90) Postcolonial and Decolonial Political Theory

Political Science Topics (91-100)

U.s. politics.

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

92) Asian American Politics and Political Movements

93) Campaign Advertising in U.S. Elections

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

95) Interest Groups and Modern U.S. Conservativism

96) Litigation Strategies in Political Contests Over Abortion

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

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

99) S. Politics and Policies of Mass Incarceration

100) Voter Opinion on Women Political Candidates

Final Thoughts on Political Science Research Topics

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

Political Science Research Topics – Additional Resources

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Tyler Talbott

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

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