Political science is one of the most intellectually stimulating and socially relevant fields of study. Whether you’re in college, grad school, or writing your senior thesis, choosing the right political science research topic can make or break your paper.
The good news? You’ve just landed on a treasure trove of political science research topics — from classic government debates to modern-day global conflicts, we’ve got something for every interest.
So if you’re stuck wondering, “What should I write about in my political science paper?” — don’t worry. This guide will help you find a topic that’s:
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Relevant and up-to-date ✅
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Researchable and supported by credible sources ✅
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Interesting enough to hold your attention ✅
Let’s dive in. 🧠
📌 How to Choose a Political Science Research Topic
Before we jump into the full list, here are three quick tips to pick a strong topic:
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Follow your passion
Are you curious about international relations? Feminism in politics? Elections? Go with what excites you. -
Make it specific
“Climate change and politics” is too broad. Try narrowing it to “How climate change policies influence U.S. midterm elections.” -
Check for resources
Pick a topic you can support with real data, journal articles, and official reports.
🗳️ Best Political Science Research Topics by Category
To make things easier, we’ve grouped the topics by subfields so you can scroll to what interests you most. 📚
🧭 Political Theory Topics
Explore the philosophical underpinnings of political systems.
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Is democracy the best form of government?
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The concept of justice in John Rawls’ theory
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Marx vs. Locke: Whose vision holds up today?
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Utopian political systems — could they work?
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Analyzing Machiavelli’s “The Prince” in the 21st century
🇺🇸 American Government and Politics
Focus on the U.S. system, its structure, laws, and impact.
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The Electoral College: Reform or remove?
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The power of lobbyists in American politics
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Gerrymandering and voting rights
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The role of the Supreme Court in shaping social policy
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Campaign finance laws and political corruption
🌍 International Relations Topics
Analyze how countries interact, compete, or collaborate.
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NATO’s role in modern global security
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The Russia-Ukraine conflict: Roots and implications
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How China is reshaping world order through diplomacy
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The effectiveness of international sanctions
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Globalization and national sovereignty: A balancing act?
🧨 Conflict and War Studies
Dig into the causes and consequences of war and violence.
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Civil wars vs. interstate wars: Key differences
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The role of oil in Middle Eastern conflicts
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The ethics of drone warfare
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Terrorism vs. freedom fighting: Where’s the line?
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Peacekeeping: Does the UN really help?
⚖️ Public Policy and Law
Examine how laws and policies shape people’s lives.
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Gun control legislation: A policy analysis
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Immigration policy and human rights
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Abortion laws across U.S. states: A comparative study
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The politics of climate change policies
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Police reform and public safety in urban America
🌐 Global Political Issues
Perfect for papers with a current and international twist.
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The rise of populism in Europe and Latin America
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Cybersecurity threats and international politics
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How social media influences political uprisings
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Authoritarianism in modern democracies
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The politics of pandemic response: A global comparison
💬 Debatable Political Science Topics
Ideal if you’re writing an argumentative or persuasive paper.
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Should voting be mandatory in democracies?
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Is nationalism a threat to global peace?
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Do term limits weaken or strengthen democracy?
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Should politicians be required to have college degrees?
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Is socialism making a comeback?
📊 Bonus: Political Science Topic Ideas by Research Type
| Type of Paper | Sample Topics |
|---|---|
| Argumentative Essay | Should the UN have more power over sovereign nations? |
| Compare & Contrast | Presidential vs. parliamentary systems |
| Policy Analysis | Evaluating the U.S. Green New Deal |
| Historical Research | The fall of the Berlin Wall and its political consequences |
| Qualitative Study | Interviews with voters on political trust |
| Quantitative Study | Survey data on youth political participation in elections |
🧠 Real Student Scenario
Meet Aisha, a second-year political science student. She wanted to explore something modern but meaningful.
Step 1: She narrowed her interest to climate change and politics.
Step 2: She asked, “What are the political obstacles to clean energy adoption in Africa?”
Step 3: She researched policy frameworks, subsidies, and fossil fuel dependencies.
Result: Her professor called it “one of the most original and well-researched papers in the class.” 🎉
Lesson? Don’t be afraid to make the topic your own!
🛠️ Tips to Nail Your Political Science Essay
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Use reliable sources: Government databases, peer-reviewed journals, and policy think tanks like Brookings or CFR.
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Stay objective: Avoid overly emotional language, even if the topic is controversial.
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Back it up: Always support your claims with facts and citations.
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Keep structure clear: Intro > Body > Conclusion. Use subheadings if allowed.
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Proofread: Grammatical errors weaken your argument.
✅ Quick Checklist Before Submitting
✔️ Clear, focused research question
✔️ Up-to-date sources and data
✔️ Strong thesis with supporting evidence
✔️ Proper formatting (APA/MLA/Chicago)
✔️ Logical flow and transitions
✔️ Original insights or analysis
🚀 Need Help Crafting Your Political Science Paper?
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