term paper topics for comparative politics

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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 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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What Makes an Interesting Political Research Topic?

In order for a political topic to be interesting, it must be both engaging and relevant .

The process for choosing a topic that meets both the criteria starts when the author defines what branch or field of political study they want to investigate. From there, political scientists can narrow down their focus until they’ve pinpointed the perfect topic for their research.

Political Science Research Topics: Domestic

There is no shortage of pertinent and insightful topics pertaining to domestic issues in the United States. If you’re looking for a political science research topic for the US, consider writing about any one of these complex issues.

The perception of the Black Lives Matter Movement across the political divide.
Potential candidacies for the upcoming 2022 midterm elections.
The state of the 2nd amendment in 2022.
What changes should be made to the US constitution?
What rights should Americans have regarding their internet privacy?
How should the Biden administration handle the border between the US and Mexico?
Should revisions be made to the current two-party system of politics?
Write about the potential implications of a reconstruction era under President Lincoln.
Should there be a cap on immigration to America?
Should the electoral college be abolished?
How should politicians work to battle disinformation?
What does “freedom” mean in America?
How can politicians work to increase political participation among the youth?
Should America adopt a socialist economic system?
America’s role as a global military power.
How to enfranchise minority voters in America.
The controversial legacy of the Patriot Act.
How to tackle America’s decaying infrastructure.
Should some form of reparations be paid to the African American community for racial injustices done to them? (i.e. slavery, Jim Crow, Redlining)
America’s role in the global War on Terrorism.

Political Science Research Topics: International

Diving into topics related to international politics can help bring a more diverse audience into your readership. Consider researching one of these international political science research topics.

How should global powers work to better prevent pandemics from worsening in the future?
What should be done - if anything - to curb the power of global financial institutions?
Human rights violations in Kazakhstan.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Is the United Nations effective at achieving its stated goals?
How should the current generation work to preserve the planet for future generations?
What should be done to address global poverty?
How can new technology be used to address over-consumption in the industrialized world?
Does social media increase global co-operation or foster nationalism?
What do rising sea levels mean for coastal populations?
Who has a right to the Arctic circle?
Should sanctions be put on Israel for illegal actions taken in the Gaza strip?
What should be done to address corruption in global politics?
Should corporations be fined for working with suppliers that use slave labor?
The Syrian Civil War.
Wildfires in Australia.
Rising global ocean temperatures and the implications.
Increasing tensions at the Ukrainian/Russian border.
Should there be agreed upon international standards for internet privacy?
Global immigration trends.

Political Science Research Topics: Comparative Politics

Comparative political topics involve investigating two or more positions, groups, or phenomena for the purposes of developing new insights. Tackling any one of these topics is a great way to start developing your comparative political science abilities.

United Kingdom vs. European Union Politics
United States vs. European Union Politics
Declining forest rates in the Amazon vs. the United States
How should world governments work to avoid another global war?
Secular Nations vs. Religious Nations
Collectivism vs. Individualism
The concept of “Manifest Destiny” and how it compares to other forms of imperialist thought.
Erosion of democracy in countries across the world.
What are some of the root causes of political violence?
Western Colonialism vs. Eastern Imperialism
Tensions in the middle east: 1970’s vs. Today
North Korea vs. South Korea
Causes of immigration around the globe
How has the perceived efficacy of the federal government changed decade over decade?
How have technological innovations in the 21st century shaped our lives - for better, and for worse?
The controversy surrounding Taiwan’s recognition as an independent nation.
Response to COVID-19 in the U.S. vs. other nations.
Illicit drug use in America vs. Europe.
The developing political landscape of contemporary Africa
Israel & Palestine.

Political Science Research Topics: Philosophy

Some of the most thought-provoking political science subjects pertain to philosophy. Exploring these political science essay topics can help widen your view of the world and expand your insights.

Are our political beliefs influenced more by reason, or by emotion?
Are we born with set political beliefs?
How should prisoners be treated by the law?
Ethical concerns surrounding globalization.
War: Is there ever a situation where it is morally permissible?
Should one allow their religious views to impact their politics?
What is more important: freedom, or safety?
The complex relationship between morality and legality.
The death penalty.
The legality of drugs.
The differences between Eastern and Western political ideology.
Does the state have a monopoly on violence?
War propaganda in the entertainment industry: is it immoral, or overstated?
Discuss internet misinformation and its destabilizing effect on global political structures.
How does today’s idea of “democracy” hold up to the common definition of the concept in the early 20th century?
Discuss the radicalizing effects of alienation in society.
Egalitarianism vs. Utilitarianism
Are covert government operations ever morally justifiable or necessary?
Who should be held accountable for crimes committed during a war?
Do unethical political means justify ethical outcomes?

Political Science Research Topics: Law

The law and its interpretations are one of the most controversial and contentious fields in the realm of political science. Legal analysts and lawyers spend extensive amounts of time researching precedent and past cases in order to develop their arguments. Here are some of the most pertinent topics being discussed in recent years.

The illegality of cannabis in the Federal government.
The Human Rights act of 1998.
Bail reform.
What limitations should be placed on police interrogation methods?
How should the federal government work to secure voting rights in America?
States’ rights.
Gender bias in custody battles.
Criminalization of the homeless.
Corruption in the judicial system.
Constitutional amendments.
Should the internet be regulated as a public good?
How can the judicial system work to hold wealthy & influential criminals accountable?
Police accountability.
Transparency in the legal system.
LGBT protections.
Expansions on environmental protections.
The Jeffrey Epstein case.
Expunging records for citizens with marijuana priors.
Discuss the benefits and concessions that come with having a jury of your peers.
Do we need laws prohibiting the use of AI for specific activities (i.e. war)?

Political Science Research Topics: Economics

Economic research is another highly specialized field of political science. These topics pertain to all manner of issues related to finance, commerce, trade, policy, and more.

The financialization of public life.
Rising global inflation.
The economic impact of COVID-19.
What should be done about the lack of affordable housing in the United States?
Who should have to pay for the efforts to tackle climate change?
How can global economic institutions be held accountable for their role in facilitating illegal activities (i.e. money laundering, tax avoidance)
Discuss the global economic fallout caused by the 2008 Financial Crisis.
Why do so many young Americans feel alienated and disenfranchised by Capitalism?
National conservatism vs. Economic globalism.
How has the phenomenon of American companies moving their manufacturing overseas negatively impacted the financial security of the United States?
Should the US do away with the greenback?
The rise of Cryptocurrency as a global financial system.
Work-from-home: revolutionary, or transitory?
How should world governments hold the global 1% accountable for paying their taxes?
Should the government provide more economic stimulus to struggling companies owned by minority business owners?
The economic realities of libertarian theory.
Is global capitalism effective at managing and solving problems in the 21st century?
What new economic theories have taken shape in the last two decades?
The “gig economy”.
Why does poverty exist in the world’s wealthiest country?

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term paper topics for comparative politics

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