Finding good topics for research in political science can seem difficult. It does not matter if your interest is in foreign or international conflict. You should research the topic and determine which are most relevant to you before starting to research. A topic should be manageable and meaningful. Your project’s central questions will require a lot more effort and time.
This article will give you ten examples to help you brainstorm political science topics for your bachelor’s program. We will also help you to create effective political science research questions. This list contains current political science topics that are relevant to your research.
What makes a strong topic for political science research?
Research that is relevant and original is a strong topic. It builds upon existing studies that have been published by reliable sources. It’s both relatable enough to be applicable and unique enough to stand out. For ideas, check out the latest topics published in Cambridge University Press’s American Political Science Review. It includes all aspects of political science, including American politics and foreign relations.
Ask academics in your department to tell you what they’re currently writing. If you’re having difficulty choosing a topic, consult your academic advisor. Make sure you follow the guidelines of your teacher when writing your topic.
Tips for choosing a topic in political science research
Choose a topic that is meaningful. It will make your research more fun if it is something you are passionate about. You can, for example, focus your research on immigration policy if it is something you are passionate about.
– Share research ideas with your classmates. They can provide fresh insight and assist you in your research.
Ensure that the topic you choose is manageable. It is important to choose a topic that you can manage. You can start by looking at key questions in your field to narrow down your topic.
– Use reputable sources. Use peer-reviewed journals to find authoritative articles. It doesn’t matter if you’re interested in democracy, the political behaviour of a group, or the authoritarian regime, make sure that you only select the relevant ones.
Join the ongoing scholarly discussion. Be part of cutting edge research on your chosen topic. You can discuss current issues such as government forms and political events to ensure your chosen topic contributes to key policy debates as well.
What is the difference between a research topic and a research question?
A research topic refers to a specific area of study within a scientific subfield or field. The research question narrows down the area. The research question helps you to understand the topic. You can use the research question to guide your writing and research, allowing you to contribute to that topic or field.
How to create strong political science research questions
For current research on the topic, gather information. Find something that interests you. Recognize the gaps in your research as described in articles. Next, find a question to address this gap.
Ask your question using the following words: What, Why, When, or How. Your question should be focused and clear. Guides are also useful to assist you in developing your research question.
Ten intriguing political science research paper topics
1. Building government capacity to address global environmental challenges
Complex tradeoffs can be part of environmental policies, especially in 21st Century. Green technology investments could boost the economy while creating jobs. However, workers in the coal and oil industries will be losing their jobs. This is part the ongoing discussion on environmental protection and different political attitudes toward green policies.
Climate policy is only supported by the public if costs are fair distributed. Transparency is a key requirement for governments to win trust from citizens. This topic is controversial and requires a lot of research.
2. Influence on Policymaking by Advocacy Groups or Social Movements
Sometimes, the government hides its policies. Social movements have formed to access and participate in policymaking. Participation in representative democracies is essential for every social movement and advocacy group.
They assist in holding the American government responsible, protecting citizens’ rights.
Advocate groups and social movements can have an enormous influence on public opinion. They can also influence the political participation specific groups. American politics needs to take into consideration their ideas for improving political attitudes. This topic is important for political science researchers to better understand collective action.
3. Influence of an interdependent world upon the role of institutions and governments
Many of today’s policy challenges are not only at the national level, but also globally. Politicians know this. It is essential that governments have policies in place to govern institutions, foster international cooperation and minimize political conflict. They must train their employees with a global outlook. This is also a key factor in electoral politics and campaigns.
Government employees now work on the international stage as globalization has an impact on all countries’ political development. To share information and collaborate, they need to be familiar with international relations. Relevant political science topics include policymaking in an interdependent environment.
4. Public Policy can promote prosperity and equality
Many families face financial uncertainty due to the COVID-19 crisis. Unexpected changes on the international markets can be caused by technological disruptions. Evidently, it is impossible to take as a given the country’s ability to sustain its economic strength. The government uses economic policies to ensure equality and prosperity. Political science research is heavily focused on economic development.
5. Factors That Influence Tax Policymaking around Regulation, Trade, and Taxes
Tax policy is a key factor in economic development. The international discussion on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes economic reform. Every political scientist should be interested in immigration and trade regulations.
6. Influence of gender, race, class, and other aspects of identity on policymaking
Modern politics is increasingly focusing on intersectionality and diversity. Public companies and educational institutions are adopting equity- and inclusion-oriented goals. Higher expectations are placed on policymakers to incorporate diversity. This topic is very relevant.
7. The Role Government Plays in Affordable Healthcare
Universal Health Coverage or UHU is an initiative by the World Health Organization to provide universal access for healthcare services. This goal has been reaffirmed by the United States.
International cooperation is essential in the field of health. This was evident after the COVID-19 pandemic. UHU must be possible through a change in international relations theories. Modern politics is focused on global health policymaking.
8. Policymaking is key to reducing cyber breaches and security challenges
Cybersecurity strategies are being adopted in countries by policymaking. Some countries have an agency dedicated to cyber security. The importance of information technology assets is increasing worldwide. Cybersecurity is an integral part of modern world politics and economic development.
Cyber regulation brings new challenges to policymaking that modern politics must tackle. This requires international coordination and cooperation. Modern politics research is increasingly focusing on cyber security policymaking.
9. Harnessing Data for Good Governance
Big data is more easily used when there are partnerships between public and private institutions. This brings with it many challenges for institutions such as the fusion of data sources. Comprehensive policymaking will be required to regulate data access and address privacy issues. The current topic of political science research is modernizing data governance.
10. Public Policy is the best way to regulate disinformation in the United States
Americans are increasingly turning to biased websites and social media to understand politics. The spread of misinformation is fueling divisions and polarization. It can also depress public confidence, discourage participation in politics and reduce public trust. Public policy must be used to regulate disinformation.
American politics do not have a tradition of regulating freedom speech. These difficult problems are solved using cost-benefit calculations by political scientists. Research on misinformation regulation and government’s role in the digital age is gaining momentum.
Here are some other examples of political science research topics & questions
Topics in Political Science Research
– Ethnic Conflict in America between Arab-Americans and Americans
– China Telecommunications Policy
– Reproductive Rights and the Supreme Court
– Evolution of affirmative action initiatives
– The development of a constitutional right to privacy
Questions in Political Science Research
How can public officials balance policy priorities and political realities?
– How have science and technology changed political attitudes?
Public-Private Partnerships to Change the Approach of Government to Public Problems
– How can policymakers manage the tensions between democratic values and private power?
How can public policymaking include a human-rights perspective?
How to choose the right topic for your political science research
If you are interested in pursuing a degree in political science, it is crucial to understand how to select a topic for research. Choose a topic that is interesting and easily manageable. Make sure you choose something that interests and motivates you. This will keep your research motivated and interesting. Remember that your original research topic may change. Your expertise will increase, and your topic will become even more specific.
Questions about Political Science Research
– What is Political Science?
Political science refers to the study of political phenomena. Politics are a common topic in political science. Political scientists employ comparative politics to help solve public problems.
– Why are political science and research so important?
Because it helps improve public policies, political science research can help to reform the law. It allows citizens to understand American politics and foreign policies. Research in political sciences improves international cooperation.
– Can I get a political science degree online?
You can obtain a degree in political science online. Online education is possible without having to go to college. You can choose from a variety of online degrees in politics, all offered by top universities. Two years is all it takes to earn a graduate equivalent degree (GED) in political science.
