political science case study topics

Methodologies To Select Political Science Project Topics

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When selecting political science project topics, researchers can employ various methodologies to ensure their projects are relevant, feasible, and ethically sound. Here are some key methodologies:

Literature Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature in political science to identify gaps, debates, and emerging trends. This helps researchers understand the current state of knowledge and locate areas for potential research.
Stakeholder Analysis: Identify key stakeholders in the field of political science, including policymakers, academics, activists, and community members. Engage with these stakeholders to understand their priorities, concerns, and research needs, which can inform the selection of project topics.
Problem Identification: Identify pressing political issues, challenges, or controversies that require further investigation and analysis. This may involve monitoring current events, policy debates, and societal trends to identify topics that are relevant and timely.
Research Design: Develop a clear research design that outlines the objectives, scope, and methodology of the project. Consider the feasibility of different research methods, such as qualitative interviews, surveys, experiments, or archival research, and select methods that are appropriate for the research questions and objectives.
Pilot Studies: Conduct pilot studies or feasibility assessments to test research methodologies, gather preliminary data, and identify potential challenges or limitations. This helps researchers refine their research design and ensure that their project is viable before committing to a full-scale study.
Ethical Considerations: Consider ethical considerations such as informed consent, privacy, and confidentiality when selecting project topics. Ensure that research projects adhere to ethical guidelines and protect the rights and well-being of participants.

By employing these methodologies, researchers can select political science project topics that are relevant, feasible, and ethically sound, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of political science.

International Relations

The role of international organizations in global governance.
Conflict resolution mechanisms: Case studies of successful peace processes.
Nuclear proliferation and arms control regimes.
Humanitarian intervention: Ethics and effectiveness.
Environmental diplomacy: International cooperation on climate change.
The impact of globalization on state sovereignty.
Regional integration and the European Union: Lessons for other regions.
Cybersecurity and international relations: Threats and responses.
Soft power diplomacy: Cultural diplomacy and public diplomacy strategies.
Diaspora politics: The influence of diaspora communities on foreign policy.

Political Theory

The concept of justice in political philosophy.
Democracy and its critics: Authoritarianism, populism, and elitism.
Political liberalism vs. communitarianism: Balancing individual rights and community values.
Feminist political theory: Gender, power, and social justice.
Postcolonialism and decolonial perspectives in political theory.
Environmental ethics and political theory: The rights of nature.
The ethics of global distributive justice.
Theories of revolution and political change.
Cosmopolitanism vs. nationalism: Debates on global citizenship.
Postmodernism and the challenge to traditional political theory.

Globalization and Development

The impact of globalization on economic inequality.
Development aid and foreign assistance: Effectiveness and accountability.
Trade liberalization and economic development: Winners and losers.
Global health governance: Challenges and opportunities.
Migration and development: Brain drain vs. brain gain.
Sustainable development goals (SDGs) and global governance.
Technology transfer and innovation for development.
Corruption and development: Causes, consequences, and remedies.
Human rights and development: The role of international organizations.
Social movements and development: Grassroots activism and political change.

Public Policy and Governance

Policy responses to climate change: Carbon pricing, renewable energy, and adaptation strategies.
Healthcare reform: Universal healthcare vs. privatization.
Education policy: Access, equity, and quality.
Welfare state reforms: Austerity measures and social protection.
Criminal justice reform: Alternatives to incarceration and restorative justice.
Immigration policy: Border security, asylum, and refugee resettlement.
Internet governance: Privacy, censorship, and digital rights.
Urban planning and sustainable cities: Smart growth, public transportation, and affordable housing.
Environmental policy: Biodiversity conservation, pollution control, and sustainable resource management.
Energy policy: Renewable energy transition, energy security, and energy poverty.

Identity Politics and Social Movements

Ethnic conflict and reconciliation: Truth commissions, peacebuilding, and transitional justice.
Gender politics and women’s rights movements: Intersectionality, reproductive rights, and political representation.
LGBTQ+ rights and activism: Marriage equality, anti-discrimination laws, and LGBTQ+ visibility.
Indigenous politics and sovereignty movements: Land rights, cultural preservation, and self-determination.
Disability rights and accessibility: Inclusive policies and social integration.
Youth activism and political engagement: Student movements, youth-led protests, and social media mobilization.
Environmental justice movements: Indigenous environmentalism, climate justice, and eco-feminism.
Labor movements and workers’ rights: Union organizing, collective bargaining, and fair wages.
Anti-racism and anti-fascism movements: Countering hate speech, xenophobia, and white supremacy.
Religious freedom and secularism: Separation of church and state, religious pluralism, and blasphemy laws.

Security Studies

National security strategy and military doctrine: Deterrence, defense, and preemptive strikes.
Terrorism and counterterrorism: Radicalization, recruitment tactics, and intelligence gathering.
Cybersecurity threats and defenses: Hacking, cyber espionage, and critical infrastructure protection.
Nuclear deterrence theory: Mutually assured destruction (MAD) vs. limited nuclear war.
Non-state actors in security: Private military contractors, militias, and terrorist organizations.
Human security: Protection from violence, food insecurity, and environmental hazards.
Arms control and disarmament agreements: Treaty compliance, verification mechanisms, and arms races.
Intelligence analysis and decision-making: Risk assessment, threat evaluation, and strategic forecasting.
Peacekeeping operations and conflict resolution: United Nations missions, peacebuilding efforts, and peace negotiations.
Maritime security challenges: Piracy, illegal fishing, and territorial disputes.

Media and Politics

Political communication strategies: Spin doctoring, propaganda, and framing techniques.
Media bias and agenda-setting: The role of journalism in shaping public opinion.
Social media and political mobilization: Hashtag activism, online communities, and digital advocacy.
Fake news and disinformation campaigns: Misinformation, echo chambers, and filter bubbles.
Media ownership and concentration: Corporate consolidation, media monopolies, and editorial independence.
Public opinion polls and survey research: Sampling methods, questionnaire design, and data analysis.
Political advertising and campaign finance: Dark money, Super PACs, and campaign finance reform.
Media literacy and digital citizenship: Critical thinking skills, fact-checking, and media literacy education.
Celebrity politics and political endorsements: The influence of celebrities on public opinion and electoral outcomes.
Government censorship and press freedom: Press laws, libel laws, and whistleblower protection.

Political Economy

Economic globalization and income inequality: Winners and losers in the global economy.
Neoliberalism and austerity policies: Privatization, deregulation, and fiscal retrenchment.
Economic sanctions and trade wars: Coercive diplomacy, economic statecraft, and retaliatory measures.
Taxation policies and fiscal reforms: Progressive taxation, tax loopholes, and tax evasion.
Monetary policy and central banking: Interest rates, inflation targeting, and quantitative easing.
Economic development strategies: Import substitution vs. export-led growth.
Financial regulation and systemic risk: Too big to fail, shadow banking, and derivatives trading.
Labor market reforms and unemployment: Flexibility vs. job security.
Globalization and environmental degradation: Ecological footprints, carbon emissions, and ecological debt.
Economic nationalism and protectionism: Tariffs, trade barriers, and import substitution.

Political Psychology

Political socialization and civic education: Political attitudes, values, and behaviors.
Leadership psychology and political charisma: Personality traits, leadership styles, and public perception.
Group dynamics and political polarization: In-group bias, out-group hostility, and echo chambers.
Voter decision-making processes: Rational choice theory, heuristics, and cognitive biases.
Political identity formation: Party identification, ideological self-placement, and social identity theory.
Authoritarianism and political intolerance: Authoritarian personality traits, authoritarianism scale, and authoritarian populism.
Fear appeals and political persuasion: Fear mongering, threat perception, and message framing.
Emotion regulation and political behavior: Emotional intelligence, emotional contagion, and emotional labor.
Moral psychology and political ethics: Moral foundations theory , ethical dilemmas, and moral reasoning.
Social psychology of protest movements: Collective identity, group dynamics, and mobilization strategies.

Political science project topics encompass a diverse range of themes, from traditional subjects like comparative politics and international relations to emerging areas such as data-driven political analysis and identity politics.

By exploring these topics and employing rigorous methodologies, researchers can deepen our understanding of political phenomena, inform policy making, and contribute to positive social change.

As the field of political science continues to evolve, there is boundless potential for innovative research that addresses pressing challenges and advances knowledge in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.

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Research Topics & Ideas: Politics

100+ Politics-Related Research Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Political science research topics and ideas

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation or thesis. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a politics-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of politically-related research ideas across a range of disciplines, including political theory and philosophy, comparative politics, international relations, public administration and policy.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. Also, be sure to sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic from scratch.

Overview: Politics-Related Topics

Political theory and philosophy
Comparative politics
International relations
Public administration
Public policy
Examples of politics-related dissertations

Topics & Ideas: Political Theory

An analysis of the impact of feminism on political theory and the concept of citizenship in Saudi Arabia in the context of Vision 2030
A comparative study of the political philosophies of Marxism and liberalism and their influence on modern politics
An examination of how the Covid-19 pandemic affected the relationship between individual freedom and collective responsibility in political philosophy
A study of the impact of race and ethnicity on French political philosophy and the concept of justice
An exploration of the role of religion in political theory and its impact on secular democracy in the Middle East
A Review of Social contract theory, comparative analysis of the political philosophies of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau
A study of the concept of the common good in political philosophy and its relevance to the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe
An examination of the relationship between political power and the rule of law in developing African countries
A study of the impact of postmodernism on political theory and the concept of truth, a case study of the US
An exploration of the role of virtue in political philosophy and its impact on the assessment of moral character in political leaders

Topics & Ideas: Comparative Politics

A comparative study of different models of federalism and their impact on democratic governance: A case Study of South American federalist states
The impact of ethnic and religious diversity on political stability and democracy in developing countries, a review of literature from Africa
An analysis of the role of civil society in promoting democratic change in autocratic regimes: A case study in Sweden
A comparative examination of the impact of globalization on political institutions and processes in South America and Africa.
A study of the factors that contribute to successful democratization in authoritarian regimes, a review of the role of Elite-driven democratization
A comparison of the political and economic systems of China and India and their impact on social development
The impact of corruption on political institutions and democracy in South East Asia, a critical review
A comparative examination of the impact of majoritarian representation (winner-take-all) vs proportional representation on political representation and governance
An exploration of Multi-party systems in democratic countries and their impact on minority representation and policy-making.
A study of the factors that contribute to successful decentralization and regional autonomy, a case study of Spain

Research Topic Kickstarter - Need Help Finding A Research Topic?

Topics & Ideas: International Relations

A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of diplomacy and military force in resolving international conflicts in Central Africa.
The impact of globalization on the sovereignty of nation-states and the changing nature of international politics, a review of the role of Multinational Corporations
An examination of the role of international aid organizations in promoting peace, security, and development in the Middle East.
A study of the impact of economic interdependence on the likelihood of conflict in international relations: A critical review of weaponized interdependence
A comparative analysis of the foreign policies of the EU and the US and their impact on international stability in Africa
An exploration of the relationship between international human rights and national sovereignty during the Covid 19 pandemic
A study of the role of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAO)s in international politics and their impact on state behaviour
A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of international regimes in addressing global challenges such as climate change, arms control, and terrorism in Brazil
An examination of the impact of the rise of BRICS on the international system and global governance
A study of the role of ideology in shaping the foreign policies of states and the dynamics of international relations in the US

Free Webinar: How To Find A Dissertation Research Topic

Tops & Ideas: Public Administration

An analysis of the impact of digital technology on public administration and the delivery of public services in Estonia
A review of models of public-private partnerships and their impact on the delivery of public services in Ghana
An examination of the role of civil society organizations in monitoring and accountability of public administration in Papua New Guinea
A study of the impact of environmentalism as a political ideology on public administration and policy implementation in Germany
An exploration of the relationship between public administration and citizen engagement in the policy-making process, an exploration of gender identity concerns in schools
A comparative analysis of the efficiency and effectiveness of public administration, decentralisation and pay and employment reform in developing countries
A study of the role of collaborative leadership in public administration and its impact on organizational performance
A systematic review of the challenges and opportunities related to diversity and inclusion in police services
A study of the impact of corrupt public administration on economic development and regional growth in Eastern Europe
An exploration of the relationship between public administration and civil rights and liberties, including issues related to privacy and surveillance, a case study in South Korea

Topics & Ideas: Public Policy

An analysis of the impacts of public policy on income inequality and poverty reduction in South Sudan
A comparative study of the effectiveness of legal and regulatory, economic and financial, and social and cultural instruments for addressing climate change in South Korea
An examination of the role of interest groups in shaping public policy and the policy-making process regarding land-use claims
A study of the impact of globalization on the development of public policies and programs for mitigating climate change in Singapore
An exploration of the relationship between public policy and social justice in tertiary education in the UAE
A comparative analysis of the impact of health policies for the management of diabetes on access to healthcare and health outcomes in developing countries
Exploring the role of evidence-based policymaking in the design and implementation of public policies for the management of invasive invertebrates in Australia
An examination of the challenges and opportunities of implementing educational dietary public policies in developing multicultural countries
A study of the impact of public policies on urbanization and urban development in rural Indonesia
An exploration of the role of media and public opinion in shaping public policy and the policy-making process in the transport industry of Malaysia

Examples: Politics Dissertations & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a politics-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various politics-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

We, the Righteous Few: Immoral Actions of Fellow Partisans are Judged as Less Possible (Varnam, 2020)
Civilizing the State: Civil Society and the Politics of Primary Public Health Care Provision in Urban Brazil (Gibson, 2012)
Political regimes and minority language policies: evidence from Taiwan and southeast Asia (Wu, 2021)
The Feminist Third Wave: Social Reproduction, Feminism as Class Struggle, and Contemporary Women’s Movements (Angulo, 2019)
The Politics of Immigration under Authoritarianism (Joo, 2019)
The politics of digital platforms: Sour Dictionary, activist subjectivities, and contemporary cultures of resistance (Okten, 2019)
Vote choice and support for diverse candidates on the Boston City Council At-Large (Dolcimascolo, 2022)
The city agenda: local governance and national influence in the policy agenda, 1900-2020 (Shannon, 2022)
Turf wars: who supported measures to criminalize homelessness in Austin, Texas? (Bompiedi, 2021)
Do BITs Cause Opposition Between Investor Rights and Environmental Protection? (Xiong, 2022)
Revealed corruption and electoral accountability in Brazil: How politicians anticipate voting behavior (Diaz, 2021)
Intersectional Solidarity: The Political Consequences of a Consciousness of Race, Gender and Sexuality (Crowder, 2020)
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Coalitional Representation of Latinxs in the U.S. House of Representatives (Munoz, 2019)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. In other words, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

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Political science plays an important role in how we shape the world around us. It offers insight into governments, political systems, public policies, international relations, and more. This makes it a broad subject to explore. But it can also be challenging to find a captivating political science research topic.

To make things easier, we’ve collected multiple political science research paper topics that suit any taste and need. We made a step further and divided these ideas into accessible categories. Choose the area you are most interested in and get ready to find a bunch of political science research topics in your domain.

But first things first, let’s figure out what politics is all about.

What Are Political Science Research Topics?

Politics is the study of governments, public policies, and political processes. It investigates how societies make decisions. Political science also examines how decisions affect people, both on a small scale, like a neighborhood, and on a global scale, like international relations.

Political science research paper topics can range widely within this discipline. Depending on your interests and goals, you could explore anything from voting behavior to gender equality in politics. You can also study global diplomatic relations, electoral systems, or the influence of media on political outcomes.

Characteristics of Good Political Science Research Paper Topics

Politics shapes our world in myriad ways. Every aspect of it bears relevance and offers a platform for thoughtful discourse, making it a fertile field for academic exploration.

However, good political science topics aren’t just about selecting a subject itself. Great ideas require elements of intrigue, relevance, and potential for in-depth examination, all while showcasing your input. So, what should you consider while choosing between different political research topics? Well, your passion and expertise are pivotal. Your topic should resonate with your interests and align with your academic focus.

Here's a brief overview of characteristics that make up engaging political science research topics:

Relevant and contemporary
Balanced in its scope
Well-documented and containing enough material
Interesting to you as well as your readers
Suitable for follow-up studies and/or additional research.

How to Choose a Political Science Research Topic?

Stumped about which political science topic to choose for your research paper? It's a common dilemma for many students. You shouldn’t just pick a theme. You must ensure that your topic sustains your interest, meets academic requirements, and resonates with your audience.

No need to stress, though! This blog is here to help you navigate these tricky waters. Our online essay writer team has shared these step-by-step guidelines to help you choose a successful topic for your political science paper:

Start with something you’re passionate about. Your enthusiasm and interest will animate the project and guide you to success.
Come up with an original idea that hasn’t been explored in depth before or is still relevant today.
Find something that’s timely and engaging to a wider audience. This should be something that people care about and are actively discussing.
Look for hidden connections, patterns, and solutions. Make sure your political science research topic is complex enough to ensure in-depth research.
Gather the necessary materials beforehand. Ensure availability of information before you begin analyzing your theme.

List of Political Science Research Topics

Before you plunge into our expertly compiled list, remember to double-check your instructor's guidelines. Aligning your choice with your course requirements is vital. Now, prepare to browse through the most captivating politics research topics that could be the launchpad for your future paper.

Understanding democracy: An evolving concept.
Rise of populism in 21st-century politics.
Climate change and global governance.
Role of United Nations: Effectiveness and criticisms.
Politics behind nuclear disarmament.
Influence of social media on political campaigns.
Immigration policies: A comparative study.
Human rights and foreign policy.
Impact of political instability on economic growth.
Cybersecurity in international relations.
Decoding political symbolism in public spaces.
Feminism and its political impact.
Role of youth in politics.
Is healthcare a political issue?
Examining political bias in media.

Easy Political Science Research Topics

While the field of political science can seem intricate, there are areas within it that are more accessible, yet equally intriguing. If you're new to the discipline or prefer less complex issues, this list of simple political science paper topics could be your go-to. Each topic is designed to offer an easy entry point into political science, but still, provide room for critical analysis .

Defining basic political ideologies: Liberalism, Conservatism, and Socialism.
How does voting work? An overview.
Impact of political cartoons on public opinion.
Presidential vs. parliamentary systems.
Role of lobby groups in shaping policy.
Political satire and its influence.
Environmental policy: Understanding basics.
What role does local government play?
Does every vote count in elections?
How accurate are public opinion polls?
Politics in sports.
Privacy rights in a digital era.
Gender representation in politics.
Patriotism vs. nationalism: Understanding the difference.
Role of celebrities in political campaigns.

Interesting Political Science Research Topics

Political science never falls short of captivating topics. With its dynamic nature and its intricate connection to real-world issues, there's always something noteworthy to explore. We've done our utmost to curate a list of topics in political science that will pique anyone’s curiosity:

Lessons from literature on dystopian governance.
The war on drugs policy.
What influence does propaganda have on contemporary governance?
How governing ideologies influence art.
Balancing national security with personal freedoms.
Importance of whistleblowers in democratic societies.
Rhetoric and reality behind political speeches.
Implications of artificial intelligence on governance.
Attainability of world peace: A critical perspective.
Dynamics of power in non-democratic systems.
Global pandemics and their effects on governance.
Competing for Mars: A new space race.
Impact of religion on governance.
Perspective on animal rights from a political viewpoint.
Food accessibility: Who decides who gets to eat what?

Good Topics for a Political Science Research Paper

Scoring points with your professor often comes down to choosing compelling and thought-provoking research paper ideas . The following list includes good political science research questions that are in tune with contemporary discourse. Each topic offers plenty of room to showcase your analytical skills and knowledge.

Evaluating e-democracy: Benefits and drawbacks.
How migration policies shape nations.
Media as a tool for political persuasion.
Political philosophy in science fiction literature.
Trade wars and global relations.
Is there a global shift towards autocracy?
Understanding diplomatic immunity: Rights and abuses.
Role of non-state actors in shaping international policy.
Rise of nationalism in globalized societies.
Impact of climate change on national security.
Examination of censorship laws across nations.
Can blockchain technology revolutionize voting systems?
Decoding political rhetoric in campaign promises.
Gender pay gap: A policy analysis.
Influence of economic inequality on social unrest.

Best Political Science Research Topics

We have curated an irresistible list of political science topics for a research paper. These ideas range from pressing international issues to more granular policy questions, all guaranteed to challenge your analytical skills.

Exploring causes and effects of global populism.
Transparency as a key to ethical political leadership.
Evaluating the role of social media censorship in political landscapes.
Influence of multiculturalism on policy development.
Unpacking the outcomes and justifications of military interventions.
Corruption's destructive role in democratic systems.
Merits and pitfalls of technocracy.
Interplay of bureaucracy and governance.
Pathways to address political polarization.
Effects of historical colonization on current government structures.
Role of extremism in shaping international relations.
How global climate commitments affect nations.
Using sanctions as a diplomatic tool.
Conflict resolution through international law.
Geopolitics in outer space exploration.

Current Research Topics in Political Science

Political science is a progressing field, so the problems you research will always be relevant. Our list of up-to-date topics of political science will help you make sure your paper is on point.

Artificial intelligence in global governance.
Global health governance in pandemics.
Impact of digital currencies on economies.
Changes in contemporary immigration attitudes.
Climate crisis' role in diplomatic dialogues.
Social movements and societal change.
Tech giants and information control.
Civil liberties in pandemic responses.
Gender disparities in political representation.
Decolonization trends in the 21st century.
Cyber warfare and national security.
Ethics of drone warfare.
Crypto-anarchy and state sovereignty.
Right-wing extremism in the digital age.
Power dynamics in international space law.

Political Science Research Topic Ideas for Students

Navigating politics can be overwhelming for students, given its broad nature and intersecting disciplines. With the right research topics for political science, however, this complexity transforms into an opportunity for a decent study. Our list of political science research topics ideas is designed with students in mind, focusing on engaging, relevant, and manageable themes.

Political Science Research Paper Topics for College Students

For college students, political science topics for research papers should strike a balance between complexity and approachability. With that in mind, here's a collection of college-level political topics to write about.

Leadership styles across governments.
Impact of gender roles in election campaigns.
Role of think tanks in shaping public opinion.
Studying historical revolutions and their aftermath.
Influence of socio-economic status on voting behavior.
Exploring ethical dilemmas in international relations.
Cultural diplomacy and its effectiveness.
Sovereignty disputes and their resolution.
Rise and implications of digital citizenship.
Evaluating meritocracy as a system of governance.
Role of peacekeeping operations in conflict resolution.
Comparing capitalist and socialist economies.
Decoding cyber diplomacy in the digital age.
Relationship between economic crises and political changes.
Minority rights in democratic societies.

Political Science Research Topics for University

When it comes to political topics to talk about in university, politics offers a variety of interesting options. Here's a list of captivating research ideas that are sure to get you top grades:

Political revolutions in the digital age.
Comparative study of political systems.
Effectiveness of international climate agreements.
Unraveling political consequences of economic sanctions.
Studying neocolonialism in modern economies.
Impact of income inequality on social stability.
Debating political implications of universal basic income.
Role of international courts in global governance.
Influence of cultural diversity on national policies.
Dissecting geopolitics in Arctic resource exploitation.
Understanding post-conflict reconciliation processes.
Evaluating state responses to refugee crises.
Study of civil disobedience in democratic societies.
Role of soft power in international relations.
Disentangling politics of global water disputes.

Political Science Research Topics by Subjects

Political science is a diverse field, consisting of multiple subdomains. To help you spot a fitting theme, we've organized research paper topics for political science according to these subjects. From international relations to public policy, this assortment promises a treasure trove of research opportunities just waiting to be explored.

Philosophy Political Science Research Topics

Philosophy politics research topics explore the intersection of political science and philosophical thought. These themes focus on fundamental questions, such as the purpose of politics and its effects on society. Here are a few ideas to get your started:

Relevance of Machiavelli's theories today.
Understanding justice in Plato's Republic.
Influence of Kantian ethics on governance.
Are human rights universal or culturally relative?
Interplay of liberty and equality in societies.
Exploring Hobbes' notion of social contract.
Rawls versus Nozick: theories of justice compared.
Feminist perspectives on political participation.
Role of ethics in bureaucratic institutions.
Marx's theory of capitalism: A critical review.
Foucault's perspectives on power and control.
Locke's influence on modern democracies.
Concepts of civil disobedience in Thoreau's writings.
Arendt on violence, power, and authority.
Exploring Gramsci's theory of cultural hegemony.
Derrida's deconstruction: A political tool?
Nietzsche’s perspectives on societal structure.
Understanding politics through Spinoza's lens.
Evaluating communitarianism in contemporary societies.
Habermas on communicative action in politics.

>> View more: Philosophy Paper Topics

Political Science Research Topics on Public Law

Public law is one of the most popular subdomains of political science, as it focuses on legal systems and state power. It's a domain that lets you explore how laws are formulated, implemented, and impact society. Below you can find various political research questions in public law, including constitutional issues, administrative governance, and individual rights, among others.

Role of constitution in shaping governance.
Impact of judicial activism on democracy.
Analyzing separation of powers in governments.
Free speech rights in digital platforms.
Repercussions of surveillance laws on privacy.
Comparative study of electoral laws.
Analyzing federalism in constitutional law.
Police power and civil liberties.
Effectiveness of anti-discrimination laws.
Administrative discretion: Power and accountability.
Impact of immigration laws on societies.
Understanding lawmaking process in parliamentary systems.
Role of supreme courts in constitutional interpretation.
Law enforcement and minority rights.
Legal aspects of environmental protection.
Hate speech laws and freedom of expression.
Public health laws in times of crisis.
Legal mechanisms to fight corruption.
Analyzing gun control laws across nations.
Legal challenges in the implementation of welfare policies.

>> Learn more: Law Research Topics

Research Topics in Political Science on Public Administration

Public administration is the study of how governments and other public institutions are managed. It examines their structures, operations, policies, and politics to understand how they work in practice. Here's a collection of project topics for political science on public administration worth attention:

Understanding bureaucracy in modern governance.
Role of public administrators in policy implementation.
Effect of administrative reforms on public services.
Importance of ethics in public administration.
Evaluating public financial management systems.
Role of e-governance in public service delivery.
Analyzing gender representation in public administration.
Public administration in urban planning.
Role of public-private partnerships in governance.
Crisis management strategies in public administration.
Leadership challenges in public organizations.
Role of transparency in public service delivery.
Organizational culture in public administration.
Analyzing the politics-administration dichotomy.
Decision-making processes in public organizations.
Evaluating accountability mechanisms in public administration.
Human resource challenges in public services.
Impact of corruption on public administration.
Role of citizens' participation in public administration.
Comparative study of public administration models.

Political Science Research Paper Topics on Comparative Politics

Comparative politics research topics offer a window into how different political systems operate, what works, and what needs reevaluation. It encourages you to step outside the boundaries of your local context and grasp a more global perspective on political processes. The following political essay topics and paper ideas will fit any compare and contrast essay or project.

Social welfare measures across democracies.
Examining stability in different governmental systems.
Comparative analysis of electoral mechanisms.
Impact of societal culture on governance.
Federalism versus unitary systems: A comparative study.
Scrutinizing corruption in diverse economies.
A cross-nation study of education systems.
Protection of minority rights across countries.
Comparing freedom of the press globally.
Role of armed forces in various governmental structures.
Analyzing constitutional designs across nations.
A study on decentralization efforts in different countries.
Comparative research on party systems.
Gender and leadership: A cross-country examination.
Populism in different societal contexts.
Comparative view of environmental conservation measures.
Human rights protections in different nations.
Influence of colonial history on modern governance.
Cross-national study of immigration rules.
Role of religion in different governance systems.

Political Science Research Topics on Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is an essential field in political science, focusing on the methods and strategies used to mitigate disputes on local, national, and international levels. It opens up opportunities to explore how peace is achieved, maintained, and sometimes lost. Below you can find political issues to write about if you want to focus on different disputes.

Peacebuilding strategies in post-war societies.
Role of diplomacy in averting conflicts.
Effectiveness of international arbitration.
Power sharing as a tool for peace.
Influence of civil society on conflict resolution.
Role of United Nations in global peacekeeping.
Mediation strategies in intra-state conflicts.
Women in peace negotiations.
Strategies for resolving territorial disputes.
Analyzing post-conflict reconciliation processes.
Impact of economic sanctions on conflict resolution.
Role of international law in conflict mitigation.
Effectiveness of non-violent resistance.
Analyzing the success of peace treaties.
Study of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration processes.
Resolving resource-based conflicts.
Role of third parties in conflict resolution.
Approaches to addressing ethnic conflicts.
Influence of climate change on conflict resolution.
Cyber conflict resolution strategies.

Political Science Research Topics on Meditation and Negotiation

Mediation and negotiation sit at the heart of conflict resolution, focusing on peaceful strategies to address disputes and foster cooperation. These techniques find wide application in various contexts, from local disagreements to international conflicts. These interesting research topics in political science allow you to understand how these processes work in theory and practice:

Role of intermediaries in peace processes.
Strategies for successful diplomatic discussions.
Comparative analysis of negotiation techniques.
Dialogue styles in international diplomacy.
Analyzing the success of secret diplomatic talks.
Role of non-state actors in negotiation.
Gender dynamics in discussion processes.
Influence of cultural factors on dispute resolution.
Role of international organizations in diplomatic dialogues.
Arbitration in maritime territorial disputes.
Use of discussions in trade agreements.
Role of trust in successful dialogues.
Addressing power asymmetry in discussions.
Track II diplomacy in mediation.
Impact of communication technology on dispute settlement.
Role of empathy in successful negotiation.
Influence of domestic politics on international mediation..
Conflict resolution strategies in labor disputes.
Role of transparency in negotiations.
Evolution of dispute resolution techniques over time.

>> View more: Communication Research Topics

International Relations Political Research Topics

International relations explores connections among nations, the roles of sovereign states, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and multinational corporations. This field offers a multitude of engaging research topics ranging from issues of diplomacy, international conflict, global cooperation, to international trade. Here are some political science research ideas that focus on international relations:

Role of multinational corporations in global governance.
Cross-border environmental cooperation.
Effectiveness of international law enforcement.
Influence of globalism on sovereignty.
Impact of digital diplomacy in foreign relations.
Evolution of global power structures.
Influence of cultural diplomacy in global partnerships.
Strategies for global poverty reduction.
Understanding geopolitics in Arctic exploration.
Challenges to global health collaboration.
Role of non-state actors in global governance.
Interplay of economics and international relations.
Humanitarian interventions: A critical analysis.
Cross-border migration and its global implications.
International responses to global pandemics.
Role of international courts in justice delivery.
Diplomacy in the age of information technology.
Analyzing global disarmament efforts.
Global efforts in counter-terrorism.
Evolution of international trade agreements.

American Politics Research Paper Topics

American politics is a wide-ranging field, including issues from the local, state, to national levels. It incorporates diverse aspects like public opinion, public policy, ideological shifts, and more. The United States' unique political system offers abundant potential for research. Here are American politics research topics for your next project:

Evolution of American federalism.
Impact of Supreme Court decisions on society.
Understanding American political polarization.
Role of third parties in U.S. elections.
Influence of social movements on legislation.
Examining executive orders' effectiveness.
Shifts in public opinion on climate change.
Impact of lobbying on American health care reform.
Influence of Presidential debates on voters.
Effects of gerrymandering on electoral outcomes.
Analyzing campaign finance reform in U.S.
Role of think tanks in shaping U.S. policy.
Implications of immigration reform on U.S. economy.
Gun control debate and policy outcomes.
Social justice and law enforcement reform.
Influence of race and ethnicity on voting patterns.
Role of the media in shaping public opinion.
Analyzing the U.S. response to global pandemics.
Examination of U.S. trade policies.
Impact of technology on U.S. governance.

Government Research Paper Topics

Government is a broad field that includes many different subdomains and politics topics to discuss. It revolves around the structures, processes, and functions of governing bodies, allowing you to explore the inner workings of various political systems. Here are some useful ideas on government:

Evaluating the meritocracy in civil services.
Digitization of public services: Impact and challenges.
Understanding state surveillance: Balancing security and privacy.
Impact of decentralization on local development.
Government's role in disaster management.
Analyzing the government's role in fostering innovation.
Study on government initiatives for financial inclusion.
Role of government in mitigating income inequality.
Government strategies in promoting renewable energy.
Analysis of government responses to recessions.
Public-private partnerships in infrastructure development.
Government regulation of the gig economy.
Role of government in promoting cultural heritage.
Public sector reforms for better governance.
Government interventions in housing markets.
Assessing government transparency initiatives.
Government's role in universal health care provision.
The impact of political term limits on governance.
Government initiatives in curbing the opioid crisis.
The role of governments in combating online misinformation.

Political Science Research Questions

Research questions provide a clear direction to your studies, defining what you want to achieve. Here are some unique research questions for political science that span a wide array of sub-areas:

How does social media shape public opinion on climate change policy?
How can local governments boost civic engagement?
How does income inequality impact political participation?
How do trade policies affect domestic industries?
How do immigration laws influence national identity?
How does political advertising affect voter turnout?
How does corruption impact public trust in government?
How does gender representation in government influence policy decisions?
What role does education play in political awareness?
How does political satire influence public perception of politicians?
How have government responses to pandemics evolved over time?
How does foreign aid impact the donor-recipient relationship?
How can governments leverage technology to improve public services?
How does cybersecurity impact national defense strategies?
How do international treaties impact national sovereignty?
How do political ideologies shape foreign policy?
How can governments promote sustainable urban development?
What is the role of youth in shaping future politics?
How does political stability affect economic growth?
How does political rhetoric shape public perception of immigration?

Extra Political Science Topics for Research Papers

Although the topics for political science research papers given above should help you kickstart your project, here are a few extra ideas to make sure you write an excellent project:

Green parties' influence on environmental sustainability.
Significance of political graffiti in social movements.
Virtual reality's potential in public engagement.
Role of cognitive psychology in voter behavior.
Understanding biopolitics: control and manipulation.
Space law's implications for international cooperation.
Implications of Internet of Things (IoT) for national security.
Analysis of language used in peace treaties.
Incorporating indigenous governance in modern state systems.
Decoding humor in political satire.
Political underpinnings in fantasy literature.
Political landscapes in virtual communities.
The politics of cryptocurrency regulation.
Using machine learning to predict election outcomes.
Role of street art in political protests.
Exploring the politics of veganism.
Political dimensions of genetic engineering ethics.
Pop culture's influence on political consciousness.
Influence of climate fiction ("cli-fi") on environmental policy.
Geopolitical consequences of the commercialization of space.

Bottom Line on Political Science Topics

We did our best to provide you with an assortment of good topics for political science research paper in every subdomain. Whether you're interested in philosophy, public law, international affairs, or something else entirely – this collection should have it all. We hope that at least one of these themes motivates you to do your best work yet! Remember that you can buy coursework or any other academic paper from certified writers with solid experience.

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206 Most Popular Political Science Research Topics

If you major in political science, you already know it’s a profound evaluation of politics and power from the domestic, international, and comparative outlook. It includes interpreting the existing political ideas, processes, institutions, behavior, policies, and how governments examine law, diplomacy, social groups, and many others. Political science is fundamentally a theory and practice of the government as it relates to both public and private lives. It encompasses political theory, comparative politics, international relations, the politics of the American government, and the preexisting political methodology. As students of a high school, college or university, it may be challenging to choose the best and interesting topics in political science. This is because you’re expected to produce high quality content on an advanced topic, and your grade depends on it. We’ve provided over 200 advanced topics to help you with that. But before you dive into these topics, how do you outline your political science research paper?

Outline Of Good Political Science Research Paper

Getting political research topics is easy; there are a lot. You must know how to convert any topic into a high quality paper, even if you order research paper, and this outline can help you. The outline of a good political science research paper must include an introduction, the literature review, the case study, the conclusion, and the reference page.

Introduction. This is where you identify the research questions and tell your readers the question’s significance. You must also provide a brief answer and overview of what your paper or essay will be about.
Literature Review or Theoretical Framework. Your political science research must discuss existing scholarly work related to your study. This lets your readers know that you conducted your research based on what you know about. This point is also where you provide explanations that justify the questions you asked earlier. Also, you can input your research methodology.
Case Study or Main Points. This is where you provide evidence to capture your argument. You must have basic ideas which will run through chapters. Organizing your thoughts in chapters helps you structure them into smaller pieces that make sense in the end.
Conclusion. This is the point where you summarize your research findings and restate the basic arguments or answers offered. You can also discuss the prospects of what you’ve discussed.

Now that you have an outline, these are the advanced and custom political science topics for your research or essays:

Political Science Research Questions

You must provide and answer some questions when you embark on research. These are good political science research questions to be answered in any political science research paper. Depending on your research, these questions are legitimate and should convince you about your knowledge on your chosen topic:

What authority does a state have in the federal government?
What can be identified as a totalitarian government today?
Would it be justified if it’s said that Vladimir Putin is a dictator?
What is the nature of comparative politics?
How does communism affect today’s geopolitical structure?
Does monarchy relate to communism too?
How do social changes influence the politics of the country under consideration?
How did politics influence the social class of the country under consideration?
How does a dictator gain legitimacy?
What exactly are political disputes?
How is political dispute settled amongst countries?
How are political disputes settled within a country?
How does free speech sound much like hate speech
What does controversy in politics imply?
How does propaganda help during electioneering periods?

Political Science Topics

As earlier established, political science encompasses the relationship between domestic, national, international, and comparative politics. If you need good political science research topics, you can examine different sections of the States and other countries to develop your argument. You can consider the following comprehensive topics:

How does existentialism apply to eastern constitutional law?
What is the philosophy of Karl Schmidt and German?
Examine civil republicanism and liberalism.
Examine the post-socialist transition methods through the western culture lens.
Evaluate the concept of Neoplatonism and how it poses a risk to society.
What mutual tolerance in politics means.
Evaluate the importance of ethics in the modern political culture.
Justification of liberal democracy through the neo-Marxist lens.
What are the ethics of election?
Evaluate the core arguments of the Human Rights Act of 1998.
Examine the basics of common morality and criminal law.
Role of popular legislators in US history.
Role of popular legislators in European history.
Examine the role of popular presidents in US history.
Outline the fundamental achievement of the first five US presidents.
Outline the basics of justice inequality.
Examine the importance of socio-economic preferences during political interrogation.
Why is a person’s social life and history significant in the US penal system?
What do post-conflict justice and inequality mean?
Examine the efforts of the government at coordination.
Give a thorough overview of the US electoral college.
Give a comprehensive overview of the UK electoral college.
Examine the importance of privacy law.
Examine how privacy law seems to exploit commercial relationships.
Evaluate the judicial interpretation of public safety statutes.
What is the role of the transport security administrators?
How are domestic laws formulated?
Examine the role of public opinion on the abolition of slavery centuries ago.
What is the role of public opinion in the US public health?
What is the role of public opinion in the UK economic policies?

Comparative Politics Research Topics

This part of political science deals with an empirical approach to different political systems. It includes analysis of institutions, conflict resolutions, domestic policy formulation, international issues, and others. All these can be examined through a comparative evaluation, and you can consider:

The domestic policies of the US and the UK on public health.
The foreign policies of the UK and Russia.
The comparison and contrasts between the communist structure of the USSR and China.
Examine the Soviet Union ideology.
The impacts of the cultural revolution on China.
Evaluate the significance of the cultural revolution in the USSR.
Examine the essential components of the UK and US foreign policies.
Examine the cultural gap between China and Japan.
Evaluate the behavioral approach to political parties in the UK and the US.
Critically analyze the presidential and parliamentary systems of government.
What is the apartheid phenomenon?
How do apartheid and the black lives matter movement similar?
What would you say is the difference between armed and political conflicts!
What are your thoughts about twentieth and twenty-first-century politics?
Religion is a social power: discuss.
Culture is a formidable social power: discuss.
Corruption is a must for any Government: discuss.
Politics is business: discuss.
Compare and Contrast the American and European federal crimes.
Examine the activities of the FBI and KGB for ten years of your choice.

Political Science Research Paper Topics

As students of a college or university, political science borders on a state’s relationship amongst itself and outside it. This means its domestic and international political affairs. These extend to political theories, their practicality and feasibility, how they influence or affect the world, and many others. You can consider political science paper topics like:

Vision of John Rohr on constitutions.
Examine the significance of Plato’s The Republic.
Evaluate the importance of Machiavelli’s The Prince
Choose and talk about any three political philosophers of your choice.
Give a detailed overview of the politics of Ancient Greece.
Examine the politics of the Mongols.
Examine the significance of the reign of the Vikings.
Evaluate the unequal relationship between the government and the people
Justify the lack of public opinion on foreign policies.
Examine the effect of media voting on US elections.
Evaluate the impact of card readers in protest of election credibility in the US.
Evaluate the importance of foreign observers during elections from any country of your choice.
Evaluate the basis of election thuggery based on the January invasion of the Capitol.
Examine the effect of civilian and military government in the case of American provisional governments in the middle east.
Assess the significance of the US on NATO.
Give an overview of the influence of western nations on the UN.
Examine the consolidation of democracy in any country of your choice.
Problems of the American judiciary system.
Challenges of the UK judiciary system.
Evaluate the prospects of everyday politics in the European Union.
Examine the role of Scandinavian countries in the race for gender equality.
Examine the challenges and possibilities of gender equality in the UK.
Evaluate the challenges and opportunities of equal pay in the US.
Appraise the 2020 presidential election of the US.
Examine the role of civic education in reducing educating the public.

Interesting Political Topics

Political science paper topics can also be interesting. This is because politics itself is exciting and can be intriguing when studied carefully. As students of politics, you must be knowledgeable on fundamental parts of the international system. You can base your research on these best political research paper topics.

Examine the causes of the American Revolution
Examine the concept of neoliberalism
Evaluate the idea of political correctness
Give an in-depth analysis of populism
Attempt an evaluation of populism in the African context
Evaluate the concept of politics in open Societies
What principle is divided government based on
What is the Influence of media on politics
How does rational choice affect politics
Is it okay to consider terrorism an instrument of politics?
What does positivism imply?
Examine the concepts of societal decadence in Animal Farm by George Orwell
What does social movement on politics imply?
Evaluate the basis of cultural pluralism
Examine the role of the mass media in any UK election of your choice
Examine the discussions on LGBTQ in sport
Evaluate the domestic laws of Texas
Why are some states more important than other states during US elections?
What is the crisis of identity politics all about?
Select any three states of your choice and discuss their domestic policies
Choose any company of your choice and examine how its activities affect the public
Make a case for vote-buying in any country’s election
Examine the circumstance of political apathy in any country of your choice
What are the challenges of marginalization in America?
Evaluate the significance of corruption in the US politics

American Politics Research Paper Topics

America is a country that dominates global politics. It leads in technology, the military, even politics, and other fundamental sectors. However, this doesn’t excuse the US from a political crisis both internally and externally. You can discuss the basis of American policies with these current Research topics for political science:

Examine the effects of the 2020 election on American democracy
Examine the evolution of American politics from the 1960s
What does American nationalism mean in the face of globalization
What does social constructivism mean in the American context
Examine public relations actors in the American politics
What are the politics prevalent during the civil war
What was the political crisis that led to the American civil war?
Examine how the Republican culture evolved in the US
Give an evaluation of election fraud on any US election
Motivators of African American politicians
Motivation for African American politics
Examine the place of Hispanic American politics presently
Examine the representative level of all minority classes in the US
What does American crime law mean
Examine the essential traits of the typical American politician
How knowledgeable are you on the story of Jimmy Carter
Examine the life of Saddam Hussein and his impact on America
How did the Vietnam War become the American war?
Attempt an analysis of the Barack Obama and Trump administration
Discuss the significance of news coverage of US elections
Analyze the relationship between the US and North Korea

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Easy Political Science Research Topics

If you’re in high school or pursuing your diploma, you need custom and more superficial political science topics. These may be advanced topics, but they are relatable political science topics for your level:

Discuss the Importance of political violence in any country of your choice
Examine the election processes and issues in any state of your choice
Why does each state have different constitutions?
Examine what tax law means in the US
How should public bodies in the US act?
What are the central laws to both federal and state governments?
Examine the significance of public and private law in the US
Examine the differences between democracy in the US and France
The turbulent political history of France
Evaluate the Importance of the US electoral college
Examine the presence of godfatherism in any country of your choice
Is Afghanistan better than it was before?
Evaluate the political activities of the US in any country through its established provisional governments.
Evaluate the role of domestic policies in rural areas
What does legislation oversight mean?
Give a detailed overview of the impeachment process of Trump
Examine the structure of revenue allocation in the US
Examine the art of political campaigns in the US
How does social media bullying affect free speech
Examine the line between free speech and hate speech
How do elections achieve national peace and security
Do you think the French President has too much power than he should?
Do you think the US President should share his power with Congress?
Examine the Executive power or the US vice president
Examine the strengths of the UK Head of State

Current Research Topics For Political Science

These are topics that discuss the present happenings within countries and in the international political space. These could be topics on conflict resolutions or conflict in the international area itself. They also extend to domestic policies and their effects. Examine these good political science research questions:

Examine the system of prosecuting top tier government officers
Examine the legal clashes of any transnational corporations in recent years
What does hostage care in the US penal code mean?
Give a critical overview of American whistleblowers
Examine the role of women in today’s global politics
Is the terrorism war so far against the west or the western activities in the Middle East?
What is the current political relationship of western countries with the Taliban government?
What does political correctness mean in today’s gender multiplicity?
Examine how social media emerges as the court cancel celebrities
Examine the challenge of national planning under Joe Biden
Evaluate the similarities between the foreign policies of Canada and the US
What does the US alliance with Australia imply for its allies
Examine the present threat between China and Taiwan
Would you say the European Union can achieve standard fiscal policies
What is the role of controversies and propaganda in any election, and how does it determine the winner or loser: give a case study

International Politics Research Paper Topics

International politics is the balance of power in the international space. This extends to the balance of threats. Other issues covered include human rights, peaceful resolution of global conflicts, environmental crisis, globalization, global ethics, global poverty, and more. The best political science research topics on international politics are:

Examine the case for human rights violation in Malawi
Make a case for human rights violation in China
Make a car for the human rights violation in communist countries
Examine the trends in global poverty and its eradication in the world today
Investigate the controversies raised by Amnesty International
Would you say international media houses are the watchdog of the society or an accomplice of security threats
What are the ethics guiding the activities of NGOs
Role of the international monetary fund in world politics
Trends and evolution of the Belt and Road Initiative
Examine the environmental crisis case against Germany
Examine the issues of human rights in Uganda
Investigate the political agenda of any three US politicians of your choice
What are the present political powers at play in Ukrainian politics
Examine the causes of the Central African Republic rebellion
Examine the Afghanistan conflict through the lens of a Westerner
Trace the origin of the Afghanistan conflict
Analyze the immigrant crisis facing Europe
Evaluate the immigrant problem facing the US
Go in depth on the drug war by the US government
Examine the disparity between the white and black justice systems in the US
Evaluate the leadership conflict post 9/11
Examine the race for economic dominance
Examine the significance of capitalism in the expansion of democracy
Examine the role of any three media houses of your choice in their propagation of bias in Europe and the US
How does the Personal ambition of a leader affect country politics?
Examine the post-war legacy of any war of your choice
Examine the wartime negotiating strategy
Evaluate the social role of volunteerism
What is the Influence of the US government on the growth of Coca-cola outside America?
How has the UN contributed to education in any country of your choice

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200 Unique Political Science Research Topics

Political science is an interesting field which covers the study of government, politics, and public policy. It is an intriguing subject hence you get plenty of potential areas to explore for research. All you need is to choose a good research topic to craft a masterpiece.

Speaking of which, are you having issues choosing a research topic? Don’t worry, we have huge lists of amazing topics here from a professional paper help to get you started. Let’s read them all.

Table of Contents

Interesting Political Science Research Topics

If you want to delve into the complexities of international politics, go for a topic from this list.:

Afghanistan in international relations
The Great Afghan Game and its impact
The national interest of The States: from the origins to the era of multilateralism
The political history of the United States geopolitics institutions government
Security and Geopolitics Strategies
The transformation of international economic and geopolitical relations
Public Opinion and Foreign Policy
European Union public opinion regarding Middle Eastern Affairs
European integration foreign policy for Albania
Soft power: the case of the United States and China
China vs. the United States: Soft power affairs and the role of Media
University course of Political Sciences and International Relations
Strengthening the capacities of the European Union’s international relations after the Lisbon Treaty
The Uniting for Peace resolution and its impact on the United Nations’ practice
Iraq from a province of the Ottoman Empire to the fall of the monarchy (1514 – 1958)
History of Islamic Middle East
International relations of Iraq During the Ottoman Empire
Cyberwar: instability in international relations
America’s political and trade relations with Iran
The Case of North Korea
Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq
Agreements, conflicts and power strategies
Vladimir Putin’s Foreign Policy and Post-Ukrainian-War relations with the world
Ukraine between East and West
Sport and International Relations
UN and the IOC for the protection of human rights
Nonverbal and intercultural communicative competence for tourism promotion
US Energy Security Strategies
Russia and China: history of relations from 1949 to 2012 and oil relations from 1992 to 2012
From the Silk Road to the natural gas route: geopolitics and international relations in Central Asia
The Evolution of a Political Phenomenon
Relations between Russia and the European Union from 1992 to today and the impact of the Russo-Ukrainian War
Chinese diplomacy in Africa: an example of strategic cooperation
Recent international aspects of the China-US relationship
The evolution of the international discipline relating to climate change
The difficult relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States
China and the international legal system
Diplomatic aspects of the Balkan wars

Public Law Political Science Research Topics

Check out our selection of interesting legal inquiries and explore the world of Public Law. Here you go with the list:

Private economic activity and public administration: mutual limits and collaboration tools
Public services and local public services
The role of the municipality in the constitutional and European framework
Local autonomy and fiscal federalism
The concept of the Republic and the reorganization of territorial autonomies
The protection of fundamental rights between domestic law and European law
Legal reserves and the principle of legality
The guarantee of democratic control
The nullity of the administrative provision
The administrative precautionary judgment
Constitutional law, administrative law and Public economic law
The constitutionalizing of the subsidiarity principle
The protection of competition between the State and the Regions
The division of jurisdiction in the American constitutional system
National law and community law
Legality, impartiality and good performance of the Public Administration
Constitutional principles of administration
Internal and external relations of the European Union
Regulations, procedures and organization regarding European structural funds
The institutions of the European Union
International organization
The American judicial area and the free circulation of civil and criminal judgments
International civil procedural law
Private international law
Internal and international criminal procedure
International cooperation in criminal matters
Comparative law of the environment
Citizenship, immigration and asylum
Constitutions and constitutionalism

Political Theory Research Topics

The Idea of Political Theory
Varieties of Political Theory
The foundations of a fair policy
Power: politics, identity and the Law
Political thought as theory
Research about political ideologies
The founding political ideologies in modernity
Difference between liberalism, socialism and conservatism
Approaches to their divergences and affinities
The positive and analytical theory of politics
Institutions and problems of institutional design
Contemporary Political Philosophy
Liberalism, Marxism, Libertarianism, Feminism, and Communitarianism
Contemporary political realism
The foundations of a secular order
The question of modernity in political America
The search for the sources of moral and/or political energies
The search for transparency and certainty
The intellectual pre-conditions of modernity
The impossibility of emancipation
The Rule of Law and its aporias: Sovereignty, Exception and Constituent Power
The “technical” nature of political power
The moral problem for political power
The question of political realism
Power as a contingency of the human
Power as self-government: the techniques of democracy
From the Idea of Justice to the practice of Justice
Multiculturalism and Justice
The question of the feminists and the idea of Justice
Different principles for the Idea of Justice
Justice, collective interest, common good and rights

Political Science Research Questions

What are the primary factors influencing voter turnout?
To what extent does the media’s framing of political events influence public opinion?
What are the key drivers behind the persistence of authoritarian regimes in certain regions?
How does international cooperation on climate change mitigation and adaptation vary?
What are the implications of emerging disruptive technologies?
How do different electoral systems affect representation and governance outcomes?
What are the main challenges and opportunities in crafting effective immigration policies?
What role does identity politics play in shaping the dynamics of conflict?

Research Title About Politics

The Heights of Discord: the Golan between Syria and Israel
The use of conventional weapons, and chemical or bacteriological weapons
The use of nuclear weapons
Exclusive use of conventional weapons
Wars of colonial liberation
International Wars
International regional wars
International bilateral wars
Direct and unilateral political violence
Common criminal violence
Political assassination
State terrorism in Kashmir
Human rights and political violence
Terms of damages to civilians
War and Violence in the Middle East
Youth violence in urban contexts
Collective action – Mechanisms of the dispute
Consciousness, values, identities and ideologies
Analysis of the weight of structures in the transition from traditional to modern society and from this to the current one

Conflict Resolution Research Topics

Challenges for social research and public policy
Studies on the post-conflict, coexistence and the role of civil society
Conflict studies
The conflict and the vicissitudes of building a national project
Modernization, conflict and democracy
Reconciliation and the role of Civil Society
Difficulties in carrying out fieldwork
Results of the fieldwork
The reconstruction of the conflicting events
The study of community conflict through biographical interviews
The observation of conflicting parties
Symbolic disputes, authority and representation
New intermediaries: migrant agents
Transnational communities: changes and continuities of communities
Social drama and contentious language
The community as a political and intermediary process
The community as a sense of belonging
Local government and system of uses and customs
Derivatives of a concept: the community in sociology and anthropology
The perspective of intersectionality for the analysis of intra-community conflict
Passion and political culture
Towards a proposal for the analysis of political conflict: the production of antagonisms
Analysis of international conflicts from the Sociology
Celebration between the different levels of analysis
Types and classification of elites
Analysis tools and methodological concepts
Agents, population and linear power relations
Power and power resources
Sociology of Power and conflict analysis

Good Topics in Political Science (Mediation and Negotiation)

Still looking for a research topic about politics? Check out this list.

Restorative justice and reconciliation
International law and treaty law
Race and ethnic relations
International organization for mediation and negotiations
International negotiations
Mediation: skills and applications
Negotiation: skills and applications
Understand the conflict
Basic course on mediation and conflict resolution
Argumentation and critical thinking
Presence and involvement of the parties in the resolution of the dispute
Difficulties and dilemmas in the political processes of mediation and negotiation
Preliminary questions on political mediation and negotiation
Collecting the relevant information to negotiate
Behavior and positions of those involved in the negotiation
General policies, established by those who promote the negotiation
Identification of contingencies and their probability of occurrence
Specific policies that are applicable to the negotiation itself
Challenges Of Business Mediation in Europe
Would Mediation Be Adequate and Beneficial for Resolving Business Disputes?
Application And Development of Business Mediation
Business Mediation
Principles Of Mediation
Conciliation, Mediation, Negotiation and Arbitration

Conflicts In Politics Research Topics

Contemporary history cold war
Political studies and conflict resolution
Comparative analysis of public policies and actions aimed at health promotion and prevention of Covid-19
International Conflicts: Manners of Solution and International Humanitarian Law
International Conflict Resolution Means
Diplomatic or Political Media
International Humanitarian Law of War
Basis of the Obligation of International Humanitarian Law of War
Juridical-Legal Basis of International Humanitarian Law
Geneva Convention to improve the fate of the Wounded and Sick of the Armed Forces in Campaign
II Geneva Convention to improve the fate of the Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked of the Armed Forces at Sea
Relative to the protection of victims of International Armed Conflicts
Relative to the protection of victims of non-international armed conflicts
Mechanisms to control compliance with International Humanitarian Law in armed conflicts
Role Played by the International Committee of the Red Cross
Time of Peace: Complies with the teaching and dissemination of the norms of International Humanitarian Law
Sanctions for Non-compliance with International Humanitarian Law
Criminal Responsibility of the Individual

Comparative Politics

Islamist regimes: the case of Iran
The democratic institutions
The crisis of democracy
The quality of democracy
The processes of transition and democratic consolidation
The political transitions in Eastern Europe
The Westminster model and the Westminster model of democracy consensus
The parliamentary regime, presidential regime, semi-presidential regime and semi-parliamentary
The concept of democracy
Communist regimes: the case of China
Populist and nationalist regimes
Traditional and tribal systems
The military and civil-military dictatorships
Authoritarian and totalitarian regimes
The formation of political systems in Europe and the USA
Neocolonialism and economic dependence on the Third World
Reform and revolution
The construction of the nation-state in Africa and Asia
The institutionalization of power
The process of political modernization
Dynamics of political systems: development and change
Cultural and political socialization
Social groups: pressure groups and social movements
The socioeconomic structure: market and planning
The social environment of political systems
Political system and decision process
Dynamic and institutional comparability
Research methods in political science

No doubt political science gives you a lot of options for research. But you have to pick a good one which will guide you in the right direction. Hopefully this blog post has helped you pick a topic or two to work on.

If you still have problems choosing a topic or dealing with political science assignments, do count on the professional expertise of our writers .

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30 Current and Engaging Topics for Your Next Political Science Research Paper

Table of contents

You're sitting in front of your computer, staring at a blank Word document. The cursor blinks back at you, almost mockingly, and the words "Political Science Research Paper" at the top seem to be the loneliest words in the world. You're stuck, and time is ticking. Sound familiar?

Choosing a research paper topic can feel like navigating a maze with no clear exit. Especially in political science, where the field is as wide and varied as the politics it covers. From the depths of domestic policies to the dizzying world of international relations, and the intricate comparisons of political systems in between - the possibilities are endless. But so is the confusion, right?

[FREE] Research Paper Samples

Fear not, my fellow political science enthusiasts. We've all been there, stuck in the labyrinth of potential topics, unsure where to take our first step. That's why we're here today. This blog post is your guiding beacon, your North Star in this galaxy of ideas. We have curated a list of 30 unique, contemporary, and compelling political science research paper topics, focusing on empirical research.

Each topic is not just a name; it comes with a roadmap - bullet-point guidance on how to approach the topic, possible angles to explore, and handy hints at primary and secondary sources. These aren't your run-of-the-mill, overdone topics either. They're hot off the press, relevant to today's political scene, and primed to impress your professors with their timeliness and originality.

So, let's dive into the world of political science, unravel the complexities of current politics, and find the perfect topic for your research paper. Believe me, by the end of this, you'll be spoilt for choice!

Navigating the Intricacies of Domestic Politics

Domestic politics, the heartbeat of any nation, is an integral part of political science. It includes everything from political parties' tactics to public opinion trends and government policies. By diving into the depths of a nation's political systems and practices, we can gain crucial insights into the forces that shape our lives. So, let's look at 10 exciting topics you can explore within the realm of domestic politics:

1. The Impact of Social Media on Political Campaigns

Discuss the role of social media platforms in modern political campaigns.

Explore how they influence voters’ perceptions and choices.

Potential sources: Pew Research Center reports, recent campaign social media analytics.

2. Partisan Polarization and Its Effects on Policy-Making

Analyze the impact of increased partisan polarization on legislative decision-making processes.

Potential sources: Congressional voting records, party manifestos.

3. The Influence of Lobbying on Domestic Legislation

Explore how lobbying affects domestic policy formation.

Consider ethical implications and impacts on democracy.

Potential sources: Federal lobbying disclosure data, case studies of specific legislation.

4. Populism in 21st Century American Politics

Examine the rise of populist movements in the U.S. and their impacts on the political landscape.

Potential sources: Political speeches, media coverage of populist movements, academic papers on populism.

5. Voter Suppression: Strategies and Consequences

Investigate the tactics used in voter suppression and their implications for democracy.

Potential sources: State voting laws, reports from civil rights organizations.

6. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Gun Control Policies

Evaluate the success of various gun control measures based on empirical evidence.

Potential sources: FBI crime statistics, studies on gun violence, state and federal laws.

7. The Role of Identity Politics in U.S. Elections

Analyze how identity politics shapes voting behavior and election outcomes.

Potential sources: Voter demographic data, campaign speeches, academic literature on identity politics.

8. The Politics of Healthcare Reform

Examine the political challenges involved in reforming the healthcare system.

Potential sources: ACA legislative history, Congressional debates, public opinion polls.

9. Climate Change Policy: A Partisan Issue?

Explore how climate change policy has become a partisan issue and its impacts on policy-making.

Potential sources: Legislative voting records on environmental bills, party platforms.

10. The Impact of Gerrymandering on Election Results

Investigate the extent to which gerrymandering influences electoral outcomes.

Potential sources: Redistricting maps, election results data, court cases on gerrymandering.

For more in-depth insights, you might want to explore the evolving landscape of electoral politics .

Remember, diving into domestic politics requires a careful balance between understanding the past and investigating the present. Utilize your sources to build a comprehensive picture and don't forget to add your unique take. As future political scientists, you are not just observers but active contributors to the discourse.

Decoding the Dynamics of International Relations

As our world becomes more interconnected, the field of international relations becomes more complex - and more crucial. Studying international relations allows us to better understand the relationships between nations, the roles of sovereign states, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations. It encompasses a range of topics from global economics to national security and global policy. Here are 10 captivating topics you could examine within international relations:

11. The Role of the United Nations in Conflict Resolution

Examine the effectiveness of the United Nations in resolving international conflicts.

Potential sources: UN resolutions and peacekeeping mission reports, case studies on specific conflicts.

12. The Influence of Globalization on Developing Countries

Analyze the economic, political, and social impacts of globalization on developing nations.

Potential sources: World Bank and IMF reports, academic papers on globalization.

13. Evaluating the Impact of Sanctions on Target Countries

Explore the effectiveness of economic sanctions as a tool for achieving foreign policy goals.

Potential sources: Case studies on sanctioned countries, economic data, policy papers.

14. The Role of NATO in Maintaining Global Security

Assess the role and effectiveness of NATO in maintaining international peace and security.

Potential sources: NATO mission reports, academic literature on global security.

15. The Rise of China: Implications for Global Power Dynamics

Analyze the rising influence of China on global power dynamics and its potential implications.

Potential sources: Foreign policy analysis, global trade data, speeches from Chinese leadership

16. Climate Change: A Global Policy Perspective

Discuss international cooperation on climate change policy and its effectiveness.

Potential sources: International climate agreements (like the Paris Agreement), IPCC reports.

17. The Impact of Refugee Crisis on European Union Policies

Examine how the refugee crisis has influenced the policies of the European Union.

Potential sources: EU policy documents, reports from humanitarian organizations.

18. Cybersecurity and International Relations

Analyze the role of cybersecurity in modern international relations and its influence on state sovereignty.

Potential sources: Cybersecurity incident reports, government policy documents.

19. The Politics of Nuclear Proliferation

Explore the politics behind nuclear proliferation and its implications for global security.

Potential sources: Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports.

20. Impact of Global Pandemics on International Relations

Investigate how global pandemics like COVID-19 affect international relationships and cooperation.

Potential sources: World Health Organization (WHO) reports, foreign aid data during pandemics.

In the realm of international relations, remember that the key is to contextualize your study within the wider global scenario. Use empirical data to support your points, but don't forget to offer a nuanced perspective that reflects the multifaceted nature of international politics.

Exploring the Intersection of Political Economy and Policy Studies

Political Economy and Policy Studies examine the interaction between politics and economics, studying how government policy can influence economies. This is a rich field, full of nuanced discussions on economic development, policy creation, and their effects on societal structures. Here are ten topics that might pique your curiosity:

21. The Implications of U.S. Trade Policy on Domestic Industry

Investigate the impact of U.S. trade policy on domestic industry health, worker rights, and overall economic well-being.

Potential sources: U.S. trade policy documents, industry health reports, employment data.

22. The Influence of Lobbying on Public Policy

Analyze the influence of special interest groups and their lobbying efforts on the creation of public policy.

Potential sources: Lobbying expenditure data, case studies of significant legislative changes.

23. Fiscal Policy Responses to Economic Crises

Examine the fiscal policy responses to past economic crises such as the 2008 recession or COVID-19, and assess their effectiveness.

Potential sources: Government fiscal policy documents, economic recovery data.

24. The Impact of Healthcare Policy on Economic Equality

Explore how healthcare policies can contribute to economic equality or exacerbate inequality.

Potential sources: Health expenditure data, economic equality indexes.

25. Regulation and Deregulation: Balancing Economic Growth and Public Welfare

Investigate how the balance between regulation and deregulation impacts both economic growth and public welfare.

Potential sources: Economic growth data, public welfare indexes.

26. The Politics of Income Inequality

Discuss the political dynamics that contribute to growing income inequality.

Potential sources: Income distribution data, policy papers on income inequality.

27. Economic Nationalism: Causes and Consequences

Explore the rise of economic nationalism, its causes, and its potential impacts on global economic cooperation.

Potential sources: Trade policies, economic data, speeches from political leaders.

28. Climate Change Policy: Economic Impact and Feasibility

Examine the economic implications and feasibility of proposed climate change policies.

Potential sources: Proposed climate policy documents, economic projections.

29. The Role of Central Banks in National Economies

Analyze the influence of central banks on national economies and how they shape monetary policies.

Potential sources: Central bank policy documents, national economic data.

30. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Social Welfare Policies

Investigate the effectiveness of social welfare policies in reducing poverty and promoting economic equality.

Potential sources: Social welfare policy documents, poverty and equality data.

In political economy and policy studies, the goal is to understand the underlying dynamics that drive policy decisions and their impacts on the economy and society. Remember to support your arguments with empirical evidence while also considering the wider political, historical, and cultural context.

Tips for Choosing Your Research Topic

After browsing through these enticing political science research topics, you're likely brimming with ideas for your next paper. But with so many possibilities, how do you choose? Here are some tips to keep in mind as you narrow down your selection:

Reflect On Your Interests

Choose a topic that genuinely intrigues you. Researching and writing become far more enjoyable tasks when you're passionate about your subject. Remember, your enthusiasm will also shine through in your writing and keep your reader engaged.

Consider the Scope

You want to make sure your topic is neither too broad nor too narrow. A broad topic could be overwhelming, while a topic that's too narrow might not have enough resources for a comprehensive analysis.

Check the Availability of Sources

Before settling on a topic, check if there are enough credible sources available to support your arguments. Scholarly articles, authoritative websites, and books by experts in the field are all potential gold mines for your research.

Evaluate the Relevance

Choose a topic that is relevant to your course and the current political discourse. Engaging with contemporary issues can provide a timely and impactful focus for your research.

Seek Feedback

Don't hesitate to discuss your ideas with your professor or peers. They can provide valuable input and help you refine your topic.

With these tips in mind, you're now equipped to embark on your journey towards an engaging and insightful research paper. Remember, the purpose of research is not just to inform, but also to challenge, provoke thought, and contribute to ongoing conversations. We can't wait to see where your research endeavors take you!

Final Thoughts

By delving into the extensive world of political science, we've uncovered 30 intriguing research paper topics that span across various subfields. These topics serve to challenge, provoke thought, and contribute to the broader discourse on political science.

While this list is comprehensive, it's by no means exhaustive. There's a wealth of potential research questions waiting to be answered. Use these topics as a springboard, and let your curiosity and passion for political science guide your research journey.

Stay tuned for more topic ideas across various disciplines, and remember, there’s a world of knowledge waiting to be explored – all it takes is a little bit of curiosity and a whole lot of research!

Feeling overwhelmed with the research and writing process? Writers Per Hour offers professional research paper writing services . Our team of experienced writers can help streamline the process and produce a well-researched, well-written paper on your chosen topic. Don't hesitate to hire us and take a step closer to academic success!

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Undergraduate sample research topics.

Students in the Department of Political Science at Western Michigan University will want to review these sample research topics when selecting their own research topic.

A Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Office of Independent Counsel
A Study on Equitable Water Provision in Latin America
Affirmative Action: National Origin Minorities
Aid to the Health-Related Sector: The United States, Japan, and Germany
An Assessment of the Voting Rights Act of 1965
An Evaluation of International Law as Applied to Genocide from Nuremberg to the Balkans
Celebrity Influence on Political Campaigns
Children Soldiers in Africa
Development of a Constitutional Right of Privacy
Educational Outcomes in Michigan: A Lack of Focus and Context
Effectiveness of Rape Shield Laws
Globalization and the Anti-Globalization Movement
Legislative Redistricting in Illinois for 2002
Mexico, Corporate Globalization and the Media
Mexico's Changing Political Party System
Nature Within the City: The Greenway Movement and the Transformation of Urban Form
Pretextual Automobile Stops and the Fourth Amendment
Public Education and Religious Establishment
Racial Profiling in post 9/11 United States Content Regulation in Broadcasting
Religious Exercise in Public Schools: Continuing Debate
Rights and Their Progression from State to Federal Policy: The Case of the Disability Rights Movement
Sexual Harassment: Comparative Legal Analysis
Squatter Settlements in Post-Apartheid South Africa
Stereotypes Between American and Arab-Americans in the United States
Telecommunications Policy in China
The "Political Question" Doctrine and Reapportionment
The Austrian Freedom Party in 2000
The Debt Crisis in Heavily Indebted Poor Countries
The Effects of the North American Free Trade Agreement
The Equal Rights Amendment: Why Controversy Ensured its Defeat
The Evolution (and Devolution) of Affirmative Action Initiatives
The 14th Amendment and Privacy
The Influence of the Antislavery Movement, Republican Ideology, and Federalism on the 14th Amendment
The Lemon Test and the Religious Establishment Clause
The Patriot Act: Security/Rights Issues in Historical Perspective
The Political Economy of the Micro-Island Nations of the Caribbean: The Impact of Tourism on Caribbean Culture, Environment and Society
The Supreme Court and Reproductive Rights
The Supreme Court and Sexual Preference
Title IX and Collegiate Athletic Opportunities
Truth Commissions and Civil Society
U.S.-Japanese Trade Policy: A Defense of Limited Unilateralism
Weapons of the Weak and the Chinese Occupation of Tibet
Women and Equal Pay: An Assessment of Differences in Universities
Women, Identity and Political Activism During the Allende Regime in Chile

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The SAGE Handbook of Research Methods in Political Science and International Relations

Edited by: Luigi Curini & Robert Franzese
Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
Publication year: 2020
Online pub date: December 15, 2020
Discipline: Political Science and International Relations
Methods: Statistical modelling , Observational research , Theory
DOI: https:// doi. org/10.4135/9781526486387
Keywords: estimates , government , outcomes , political parties , social media , voting , war Show all Show less
Print ISBN: 9781526459930
Online ISBN: 9781529771077
Buy the book icon link

Subject index

The SAGE Handbook of Research Methods in Political Science and International Relations offers a comprehensive overview of research processes in social science - from the ideation and design of research projects, through the construction of theoretical arguments, to conceptualization, measurement, and data collection, and quantitative and qualitative empirical analysis - exposited through 65 major new contributions from leading international methodologists. Each chapter surveys, builds upon, and extends the modern state of the art in its area. Following through its six-part organization, undergraduate and graduate students, researchers and practicing academics will be guided through the design, methods, and analysis of issues in Political Science and International Relations: Part One: Formulating Good Research Questions and Designing Good Research Projects; Part Two: Methods of Theoretical Argumentation; Part Three: Conceptualization and Measurement; Part Four: Large-Scale Data Collection and Representation Methods; Part Five: Quantitative-Empirical Methods; Part Six: Qualitative and Mixed Methods.

Front Matter

List of Figures
List of Tables
Notes on the Editors and Contributors
An Introduction
Preface: So You're A Grad Student Now? Maybe You Should Do This
Part I | Formulating Good Research Questions and Designing Good Research Projects
Chapter 1 | Asking Interesting Questions
Chapter 2 | From Questions and Puzzles to Research Project
Chapter 3 | The Simple, the Trivial and the Insightful: Field Dispatches from a Formal Theorist
Chapter 4 | Evidence-Driven Computational Modeling
Chapter 5 | Taking Data Seriously in the Design of Data Science Projects
Chapter 6 | Designing Qualitative Research Projects: Notes on Theory Building, Case Selection and Field Research
Chapter 7 | Theory Building for Causal Inference: EITM Research Projects
Chapter 8 | EITM: Applications in Political Science and International Relations
Part II | Methods of Theoretical Argumentation
Chapter 9 | Political Psychology, Social Psychology and Behavioral Economics
Chapter 10 | Institutional Theory and Method
Chapter 11 | Applied Game Theory: An Overview and First Thoughts on the Use of Game Theoretic Tools
Chapter 12 | The Spatial Voting Model
Chapter 13 | New Directions in Veto Bargaining: Message Legislation, Virtue Signaling, and Electoral Accountability
Chapter 14 | Models of Coalition Politics: Recent Developments and New Directions
Chapter 15 | Models of Interstate Conflict
Chapter 16 | Models of the Judiciary
Chapter 17 | Wrestling with Complexity in Computational Social Science: Theory, Estimation and Representation
Chapter 18 | Learning and Diffusion Models
Part III | Conceptualization and Measurement
Chapter 19 | Conceptualization and Measurement: Basic Distinctions and Guidelines
Chapter 20 | Measurement Models
Chapter 21 | Measuring Attitudes – Multilevel Modeling with Post-Stratification (MrP)
Part IV | Large-Scale Data Collection and Representation Methods
Chapter 22 | Web Data Collection: Potentials and Challenges
Chapter 23 | How to Use Social Media Data for Political Science Research
Chapter 24 | Spatial Data
Chapter 25 | Visualizing Data in Political Science
Chapter 26 | Text as Data: An Overview
Chapter 27 | Scaling Political Positions from Text: Assumptions, Methods and Pitfalls
Chapter 28 | Classification and Clustering
Chapter 29 | Sentiment Analysis and Social Media
Chapter 30 | Big Relational Data: Network-Analytic Measurement
Part V | Quantitative-Empirical Methods
Chapter 31 | Econometric Modeling: From Measurement, Prediction, and Causal Inference to Causal-Response Estimation
Chapter 32 | A Principled Approach to Time Series Analysis
Chapter 33 | Time-Series-Cross-Section Analysis
Chapter 34 | Dynamic Systems of Equations
Chapter 35 | Duration Analysis
Chapter 36 | Multilevel Analysis
Chapter 37 | Selection Bias in Political Science and International Relations Applications
Chapter 38 | Dyadic Data Analysis
Chapter 39 | Model Specification and Spatial Interdependence
Chapter 40 | Instrumental Variables: From Structural Equation Models to Design-Based Causal Inference
Chapter 41 | Causality and Design-Based Inference
Chapter 42 | Statistical Matching with Time-Series Cross-Sectional Data: Magic, Malfeasance, or Something in between?
Chapter 43 | Differences-in-Differences: Neither Natural nor an Experiment
Chapter 44 | The Regression Discontinuity Design
Chapter 45 | Network Analysis: Theory and Testing
Chapter 46 | Network Modeling: Estimation, Inference, Comparison, and Selection
Chapter 47 | Bayesian Methods in Political Science
Chapter 48 | Bayesian Ideal Point Estimation
Chapter 49 | Bayesian Model Selection, Model Comparison, and Model Averaging
Chapter 50 | Bayesian Modeling and Inference: A Postmodern Perspective
Chapter 51 | Laboratory Experimental Methods
Chapter 52 | Field Experiments on the Frontier: Designing Better
Chapter 53 | Field Experiments, Theory, and External Validity
Chapter 54 | Survey Experiments and the Quest for Valid Interpretation
Chapter 55 | Deep Learning for Political Science
Chapter 56 | Machine Learning in Political Science: Supervised Learning Models
Part VI | Qualitative and ‘Mixed’ Methods
Chapter 57 | Set Theoretic Methods
Chapter 58 | Mixed-Methods Designs
Chapter 59 | Case Study Methods: Case Selection and Case Analysis
Chapter 60 | Comparative Analyses of Foreign Policy
Chapter 61 | When Talk Isn't Cheap: Opportunities and Challenges in Interview Research
Chapter 62 | Focus Groups: From Qualitative Data Generation to Analysis
Chapter 63 | Interpretive Approaches in Political Science and International Relations
Editors’ Afterword

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2.3: Case Selection (Or, How to Use Cases in Your Comparative Analysis)

Last updated
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Page ID 135832

Dino Bozonelos, Julia Wendt, Charlotte Lee, Jessica Scarffe, Masahiro Omae, Josh Franco, Byran Martin, & Stefan Veldhuis
Victor Valley College, Berkeley City College, Allan Hancock College, San Diego City College, Cuyamaca College, Houston Community College, and Long Beach City College via ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative (OERI)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Discuss the importance of case selection in case studies.
Consider the implications of poor case selection.

Introduction

Case selection is an important part of any research design. Deciding how many cases, and which cases, to include, will clearly help determine the outcome of our results. If we decide to select a high number of cases, we often say that we are conducting large-N research. Large-N research is when the number of observations or cases is large enough where we would need mathematical, usually statistical, techniques to discover and interpret any correlations or causations. In order for a large-N analysis to yield any relevant findings, a number of conventions need to be observed. First, the sample needs to be representative of the studied population. Thus, if we wanted to understand the long-term effects of COVID, we would need to know the approximate details of those who contracted the virus. Once we know the parameters of the population, we can then determine a sample that represents the larger population. For example, women make up 55% of all long-term COVID survivors. Thus, any sample we generate needs to be at least 55% women.

Second, some kind of randomization technique needs to be involved in large-N research. So not only must your sample be representative, it must also randomly select people within that sample. In other words, we must have a large selection of people that fit within the population criteria, and then randomly select from those pools. Randomization would help to reduce bias in the study. Also, when cases (people with long-term COVID) are randomly chosen they tend to ensure a fairer representation of the studied population. Third, your sample needs to be large enough, hence the large-N designation for any conclusions to have any external validity. Generally speaking, the larger the number of observations/cases in the sample, the more validity we can have in the study. There is no magic number, but if using the above example, our sample of long-term COVID patients should be at least over 750 people, with an aim of around 1,200 to 1,500 people.

When it comes to comparative politics, we rarely ever reach the numbers typically used in large-N research. There are about 200 fully recognized countries, with about a dozen partially recognized countries, and even fewer areas or regions of study, such as Europe or Latin America. Given this, what is the strategy when one case, or a few cases, are being studied? What happens if we are only wanting to know the COVID-19 response in the United States, and not the rest of the world? How do we randomize this to ensure our results are not biased or are representative? These and other questions are legitimate issues that many comparativist scholars face when completing research. Does randomization work with case studies? Gerring suggests that it does not, as “any given sample may be widely representative” (pg. 87). Thus, random sampling is not a reliable approach when it comes to case studies. And even if the randomized sample is representative, there is no guarantee that the gathered evidence would be reliable.

One can make the argument that case selection may not be as important in large-N studies as they are in small-N studies. In large-N research, potential errors and/or biases may be ameliorated, especially if the sample is large enough. This is not always what happens, errors and biases most certainly can exist in large-N research. However, incorrect or biased inferences are less of a worry when we have 1,500 cases versus 15 cases. In small-N research, case selection simply matters much more.

This is why Blatter and Haverland (2012) write that, “case studies are ‘case-centered’, whereas large-N studies are ‘variable-centered’". In large-N studies we are more concerned with the conceptualization and operationalization of variables. Thus, we want to focus on which data to include in the analysis of long-term COVID patients. If we wanted to survey them, we would want to make sure we construct questions in appropriate ways. For almost all survey-based large-N research, the question responses themselves become the coded variables used in the statistical analysis.

Case selection can be driven by a number of factors in comparative politics, with the first two approaches being the more traditional. First, it can derive from the interests of the researcher(s). For example, if the researcher lives in Germany, they may want to research the spread of COVID-19 within the country, possibly using a subnational approach where the researcher may compare infection rates among German states. Second, case selection may be driven by area studies. This is still based on the interests of the researcher as generally speaking scholars pick areas of studies due to their personal interests. For example, the same researcher may research COVID-19 infection rates among European Union member-states. Finally, the selection of cases selected may be driven by the type of case study that is utilized. In this approach, cases are selected as they allow researchers to compare their similarities or their differences. Or, a case might be selected that is typical of most cases, or in contrast, a case or cases that deviate from the norm. We discuss types of case studies and their impact on case selection below.

Types of Case Studies: Descriptive vs. Causal

There are a number of different ways to categorize case studies. One of the most recent ways is through John Gerring. He wrote two editions on case study research (2017) where he posits that the central question posed by the researcher will dictate the aim of the case study. Is the study meant to be descriptive? If so, what is the researcher looking to describe? How many cases (countries, incidents, events) are there? Or is the study meant to be causal, where the researcher is looking for a cause and effect? Given this, Gerring categorizes case studies into two types: descriptive and causal.

Descriptive case studies are “not organized around a central, overarching causal hypothesis or theory” (pg. 56). Most case studies are descriptive in nature, where the researchers simply seek to describe what they observe. They are useful for transmitting information regarding the studied political phenomenon. For a descriptive case study, a scholar might choose a case that is considered typical of the population. An example could involve researching the effects of the pandemic on medium-sized cities in the US. This city would have to exhibit the tendencies of medium-sized cities throughout the entire country. First, we would have to conceptualize what we mean by ‘a medium-size city’. Second, we would then have to establish the characteristics of medium-sized US cities, so that our case selection is appropriate. Alternatively, cases could be chosen for their diversity . In keeping with our example, maybe we want to look at the effects of the pandemic on a range of US cities, from small, rural towns, to medium-sized suburban cities to large-sized urban areas.

Causal case studies are “organized around a central hypothesis about how X affects Y” (pg. 63). In causal case studies, the context around a specific political phenomenon or phenomena is important as it allows for researchers to identify the aspects that set up the conditions, the mechanisms, for that outcome to occur. Scholars refer to this as the causal mechanism , which is defined by Falleti & Lynch (2009) as “portable concepts that explain how and why a hypothesized cause, in a given context, contributes to a particular outcome”. Remember, causality is when a change in one variable verifiably causes an effect or change in another variable. For causal case studies that employ causal mechanisms, Gerring divides them into exploratory case-selection, estimating case-selection, and diagnostic case-selection. The differences revolve around how the central hypothesis is utilized in the study.

Exploratory case studies are used to identify a potential causal hypothesis. Researchers will single out the independent variables that seem to affect the outcome, or dependent variable, the most. The goal is to build up to what the causal mechanism might be by providing the context. This is also referred to as hypothesis generating as opposed to hypothesis testing. Case selection can vary widely depending on the goal of the researcher. For example, if the scholar is looking to develop an ‘ideal-type’, they might seek out an extreme case. An ideal-type is defined as a “conception or a standard of something in its highest perfection” (New Webster Dictionary). Thus, if we want to understand the ideal-type capitalist system, we want to investigate a country that practices a pure or ‘extreme’ form of the economic system.

Estimating case studies start with a hypothesis already in place. The goal is to test the hypothesis through collected data/evidence. Researchers seek to estimate the ‘causal effect’. This involves determining if the relationship between the independent and dependent variables is positive, negative, or ultimately if no relationship exists at all. Finally, diagnostic case studies are important as they help to “confirm, disconfirm, or refine a hypothesis” (Gerring 2017). Case selection can also vary in diagnostic case studies. For example, scholars can choose an least-likely case, or a case where the hypothesis is confirmed even though the context would suggest otherwise. A good example would be looking at Indian democracy, which has existed for over 70 years. India has a high level of ethnolinguistic diversity, is relatively underdeveloped economically, and a low level of modernization through large swaths of the country. All of these factors strongly suggest that India should not have democratized, or should have failed to stay a democracy in the long-term, or have disintegrated as a country.

Most Similar/Most Different Systems Approach

The discussion in the previous subsection tends to focus on case selection when it comes to a single case. Single case studies are valuable as they provide an opportunity for in-depth research on a topic that requires it. However, in comparative politics, our approach is to compare. Given this, we are required to select more than one case. This presents a different set of challenges. First, how many cases do we pick? This is a tricky question we addressed earlier. Second, how do we apply the previously mentioned case selection techniques, descriptive vs. causal? Do we pick two extreme cases if we used an exploratory approach, or two least-likely cases if choosing a diagnostic case approach?

Thankfully, an English scholar by the name of John Stuart Mill provided some insight on how we should proceed. He developed several approaches to comparison with the explicit goal of isolating a cause within a complex environment. Two of these methods, the 'method of agreement' and the 'method of difference' have influenced comparative politics. In the 'method of agreement' two or more cases are compared for their commonalities. The scholar looks to isolate the characteristic, or variable, they have in common, which is then established as the cause for their similarities. In the 'method of difference' two or more cases are compared for their differences. The scholar looks to isolate the characteristic, or variable, they do not have in common, which is then identified as the cause for their differences. From these two methods, comparativists have developed two approaches.

Book cover of John Stuart Mill's A System of Logic, Ratiocinative and Inductive, 1843

What Is the Most Similar Systems Design (MSSD)?

This approach is derived from Mill’s ‘method of difference’. In a Most Similar Systems Design Design, the cases selected for comparison are similar to each other, but the outcomes differ in result. In this approach we are interested in keeping as many of the variables the same across the elected cases, which for comparative politics often involves countries. Remember, the independent variable is the factor that doesn’t depend on changes in other variables. It is potentially the ‘cause’ in the cause and effect model. The dependent variable is the variable that is affected by, or dependent on, the presence of the independent variable. It is the ‘effect’. In a most similar systems approach the variables of interest should remain the same.

A good example involves the lack of a national healthcare system in the US. Other countries, such as New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, UK and Canada, all have robust, publicly accessible national health systems. However, the US does not. These countries all have similar systems: English heritage and language use, liberal market economies, strong democratic institutions, and high levels of wealth and education. Yet, despite these similarities, the end results vary. The US does not look like its peer countries. In other words, why do we have similar systems producing different outcomes?

What Is the Most Different Systems Design (MDSD)?

This approach is derived from Mill’s ‘method of agreement’. In a Most Different System Design, the cases selected are different from each other, but result in the same outcome. In this approach, we are interested in selecting cases that are quite different from one another, yet arrive at the same outcome. Thus, the dependent variable is the same. Different independent variables exist between the cases, such as democratic v. authoritarian regime, liberal market economy v. non-liberal market economy. Or it could include other variables such as societal homogeneity (uniformity) vs. societal heterogeneity (diversity), where a country may find itself unified ethnically/religiously/racially, or fragmented along those same lines.

A good example involves the countries that are classified as economically liberal. The Heritage Foundation lists countries such as Singapore, Taiwan, Estonia, Australia, New Zealand, as well as Switzerland, Chile and Malaysia as either free or mostly free. These countries differ greatly from one another. Singapore and Malaysia are considered flawed or illiberal democracies (see chapter 5 for more discussion), whereas Estonia is still classified as a developing country. Australia and New Zealand are wealthy, Malaysia is not. Chile and Taiwan became economically free countries under the authoritarian military regimes, which is not the case for Switzerland. In other words, why do we have different systems producing the same outcome?

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Case Studies and Cases in Point

The Institute's case studies utilize the rich resources of local archival collections to provide an in-depth historical analysis of key individuals, pivotal events, and important public policies, whereas cases in point offer a snapshot in time of a particular event that had a direct impact on policy in the region. A full listing of the Institute's case studies and cases in point can be found below.

Case Studies

Talia Hullum and Briana Mihok, Integration of Human Services among Counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania: Five Case Studies (University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics, 2013)
PVAAS and Data Management Case Studies (University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics, 2009)
Jenny Wolsk Bain, Pink Slip: Southwestern Pennsylvania's Response to Workforce Reductions at US Airways, 2001-05 (University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics, 2006)
Clarke Thomas, Hurricane Katrina: A Community's Response to a National Disaster (University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics, 2006)
Pamela Tokar-Ickes, Flight 93: Policy Considerations for Emergency Preparedness in Pennsylvania (University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics, 2005)

The Three Mile Island Nuclear Accident: A series by Louise Comfort and Carrie Miller

The Three Mile Island Nuclear Accident: Continuing Policy Issues, Dilemmas, and Strategies (University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics, 2003)
Decision-Making Under Uncertainty: The Three Mile Island Nuclear Accident from Multiple Perspectives (University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics, 2004)
Safety vs. Technology in High Risk Environments: Trade-offs in Public Policy Decision-Making (University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics, 2004)
Intergovernmental Communication and Cooperation: Networks vs. Hierarchy in Dynamic Environments (University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics, 2004)
The Media's Role in High Risk Conditions: Community "Right to Know" vs. Public Information Management (University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics, 2004)

Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Assignments

Annotated Bibliography
Analyzing a Scholarly Journal Article
Group Presentations
Dealing with Nervousness
Using Visual Aids
Grading Someone Else's Paper
Types of Structured Group Activities
Group Project Survival Skills
Leading a Class Discussion
Multiple Book Review Essay
Reviewing Collected Works
Writing a Case Analysis Paper
Writing a Case Study
About Informed Consent
Writing Field Notes
Writing a Policy Memo
Writing a Reflective Paper
Writing a Research Proposal
Generative AI and Writing
Acknowledgments

A case study research paper examines a person, place, event, condition, phenomenon, or other type of subject of analysis in order to extrapolate key themes and results that help predict future trends, illuminate previously hidden issues that can be applied to practice, and/or provide a means for understanding an important research problem with greater clarity. A case study research paper usually examines a single subject of analysis, but case study papers can also be designed as a comparative investigation that shows relationships between two or more subjects. The methods used to study a case can rest within a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method investigative paradigm.

Case Studies. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Mills, Albert J. , Gabrielle Durepos, and Eiden Wiebe, editors. Encyclopedia of Case Study Research . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2010 ; “What is a Case Study?” In Swanborn, Peter G. Case Study Research: What, Why and How? London: SAGE, 2010.

How to Approach Writing a Case Study Research Paper

General information about how to choose a topic to investigate can be found under the " Choosing a Research Problem " tab in the Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper writing guide. Review this page because it may help you identify a subject of analysis that can be investigated using a case study design.

However, identifying a case to investigate involves more than choosing the research problem . A case study encompasses a problem contextualized around the application of in-depth analysis, interpretation, and discussion, often resulting in specific recommendations for action or for improving existing conditions. As Seawright and Gerring note, practical considerations such as time and access to information can influence case selection, but these issues should not be the sole factors used in describing the methodological justification for identifying a particular case to study. Given this, selecting a case includes considering the following:

The case represents an unusual or atypical example of a research problem that requires more in-depth analysis? Cases often represent a topic that rests on the fringes of prior investigations because the case may provide new ways of understanding the research problem. For example, if the research problem is to identify strategies to improve policies that support girl's access to secondary education in predominantly Muslim nations, you could consider using Azerbaijan as a case study rather than selecting a more obvious nation in the Middle East. Doing so may reveal important new insights into recommending how governments in other predominantly Muslim nations can formulate policies that support improved access to education for girls.
The case provides important insight or illuminate a previously hidden problem? In-depth analysis of a case can be based on the hypothesis that the case study will reveal trends or issues that have not been exposed in prior research or will reveal new and important implications for practice. For example, anecdotal evidence may suggest drug use among homeless veterans is related to their patterns of travel throughout the day. Assuming prior studies have not looked at individual travel choices as a way to study access to illicit drug use, a case study that observes a homeless veteran could reveal how issues of personal mobility choices facilitate regular access to illicit drugs. Note that it is important to conduct a thorough literature review to ensure that your assumption about the need to reveal new insights or previously hidden problems is valid and evidence-based.
The case challenges and offers a counter-point to prevailing assumptions? Over time, research on any given topic can fall into a trap of developing assumptions based on outdated studies that are still applied to new or changing conditions or the idea that something should simply be accepted as "common sense," even though the issue has not been thoroughly tested in current practice. A case study analysis may offer an opportunity to gather evidence that challenges prevailing assumptions about a research problem and provide a new set of recommendations applied to practice that have not been tested previously. For example, perhaps there has been a long practice among scholars to apply a particular theory in explaining the relationship between two subjects of analysis. Your case could challenge this assumption by applying an innovative theoretical framework [perhaps borrowed from another discipline] to explore whether this approach offers new ways of understanding the research problem. Taking a contrarian stance is one of the most important ways that new knowledge and understanding develops from existing literature.
The case provides an opportunity to pursue action leading to the resolution of a problem? Another way to think about choosing a case to study is to consider how the results from investigating a particular case may result in findings that reveal ways in which to resolve an existing or emerging problem. For example, studying the case of an unforeseen incident, such as a fatal accident at a railroad crossing, can reveal hidden issues that could be applied to preventative measures that contribute to reducing the chance of accidents in the future. In this example, a case study investigating the accident could lead to a better understanding of where to strategically locate additional signals at other railroad crossings so as to better warn drivers of an approaching train, particularly when visibility is hindered by heavy rain, fog, or at night.
The case offers a new direction in future research? A case study can be used as a tool for an exploratory investigation that highlights the need for further research about the problem. A case can be used when there are few studies that help predict an outcome or that establish a clear understanding about how best to proceed in addressing a problem. For example, after conducting a thorough literature review [very important!], you discover that little research exists showing the ways in which women contribute to promoting water conservation in rural communities of east central Africa. A case study of how women contribute to saving water in a rural village of Uganda can lay the foundation for understanding the need for more thorough research that documents how women in their roles as cooks and family caregivers think about water as a valuable resource within their community. This example of a case study could also point to the need for scholars to build new theoretical frameworks around the topic [e.g., applying feminist theories of work and family to the issue of water conservation].

Eisenhardt, Kathleen M. “Building Theories from Case Study Research.” Academy of Management Review 14 (October 1989): 532-550; Emmel, Nick. Sampling and Choosing Cases in Qualitative Research: A Realist Approach . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2013; Gerring, John. “What Is a Case Study and What Is It Good for?” American Political Science Review 98 (May 2004): 341-354; Mills, Albert J. , Gabrielle Durepos, and Eiden Wiebe, editors. Encyclopedia of Case Study Research . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2010; Seawright, Jason and John Gerring. "Case Selection Techniques in Case Study Research." Political Research Quarterly 61 (June 2008): 294-308.

Structure and Writing Style

The purpose of a paper in the social sciences designed around a case study is to thoroughly investigate a subject of analysis in order to reveal a new understanding about the research problem and, in so doing, contributing new knowledge to what is already known from previous studies. In applied social sciences disciplines [e.g., education, social work, public administration, etc.], case studies may also be used to reveal best practices, highlight key programs, or investigate interesting aspects of professional work.

In general, the structure of a case study research paper is not all that different from a standard college-level research paper. However, there are subtle differences you should be aware of. Here are the key elements to organizing and writing a case study research paper.

I. Introduction

As with any research paper, your introduction should serve as a roadmap for your readers to ascertain the scope and purpose of your study . The introduction to a case study research paper, however, should not only describe the research problem and its significance, but you should also succinctly describe why the case is being used and how it relates to addressing the problem. The two elements should be linked. With this in mind, a good introduction answers these four questions:

What is being studied? Describe the research problem and describe the subject of analysis [the case] you have chosen to address the problem. Explain how they are linked and what elements of the case will help to expand knowledge and understanding about the problem.
Why is this topic important to investigate? Describe the significance of the research problem and state why a case study design and the subject of analysis that the paper is designed around is appropriate in addressing the problem.
What did we know about this topic before I did this study? Provide background that helps lead the reader into the more in-depth literature review to follow. If applicable, summarize prior case study research applied to the research problem and why it fails to adequately address the problem. Describe why your case will be useful. If no prior case studies have been used to address the research problem, explain why you have selected this subject of analysis.
How will this study advance new knowledge or new ways of understanding? Explain why your case study will be suitable in helping to expand knowledge and understanding about the research problem.

Each of these questions should be addressed in no more than a few paragraphs. Exceptions to this can be when you are addressing a complex research problem or subject of analysis that requires more in-depth background information.

II. Literature Review

The literature review for a case study research paper is generally structured the same as it is for any college-level research paper. The difference, however, is that the literature review is focused on providing background information and enabling historical interpretation of the subject of analysis in relation to the research problem the case is intended to address . This includes synthesizing studies that help to:

Place relevant works in the context of their contribution to understanding the case study being investigated . This would involve summarizing studies that have used a similar subject of analysis to investigate the research problem. If there is literature using the same or a very similar case to study, you need to explain why duplicating past research is important [e.g., conditions have changed; prior studies were conducted long ago, etc.].
Describe the relationship each work has to the others under consideration that informs the reader why this case is applicable . Your literature review should include a description of any works that support using the case to investigate the research problem and the underlying research questions.
Identify new ways to interpret prior research using the case study . If applicable, review any research that has examined the research problem using a different research design. Explain how your use of a case study design may reveal new knowledge or a new perspective or that can redirect research in an important new direction.
Resolve conflicts amongst seemingly contradictory previous studies . This refers to synthesizing any literature that points to unresolved issues of concern about the research problem and describing how the subject of analysis that forms the case study can help resolve these existing contradictions.
Point the way in fulfilling a need for additional research . Your review should examine any literature that lays a foundation for understanding why your case study design and the subject of analysis around which you have designed your study may reveal a new way of approaching the research problem or offer a perspective that points to the need for additional research.
Expose any gaps that exist in the literature that the case study could help to fill . Summarize any literature that not only shows how your subject of analysis contributes to understanding the research problem, but how your case contributes to a new way of understanding the problem that prior research has failed to do.
Locate your own research within the context of existing literature [very important!] . Collectively, your literature review should always place your case study within the larger domain of prior research about the problem. The overarching purpose of reviewing pertinent literature in a case study paper is to demonstrate that you have thoroughly identified and synthesized prior studies in relation to explaining the relevance of the case in addressing the research problem.

III. Method

In this section, you explain why you selected a particular case [i.e., subject of analysis] and the strategy you used to identify and ultimately decide that your case was appropriate in addressing the research problem. The way you describe the methods used varies depending on the type of subject of analysis that constitutes your case study.

If your subject of analysis is an incident or event . In the social and behavioral sciences, the event or incident that represents the case to be studied is usually bounded by time and place, with a clear beginning and end and with an identifiable location or position relative to its surroundings. The subject of analysis can be a rare or critical event or it can focus on a typical or regular event. The purpose of studying a rare event is to illuminate new ways of thinking about the broader research problem or to test a hypothesis. Critical incident case studies must describe the method by which you identified the event and explain the process by which you determined the validity of this case to inform broader perspectives about the research problem or to reveal new findings. However, the event does not have to be a rare or uniquely significant to support new thinking about the research problem or to challenge an existing hypothesis. For example, Walo, Bull, and Breen conducted a case study to identify and evaluate the direct and indirect economic benefits and costs of a local sports event in the City of Lismore, New South Wales, Australia. The purpose of their study was to provide new insights from measuring the impact of a typical local sports event that prior studies could not measure well because they focused on large "mega-events." Whether the event is rare or not, the methods section should include an explanation of the following characteristics of the event: a) when did it take place; b) what were the underlying circumstances leading to the event; and, c) what were the consequences of the event in relation to the research problem.

If your subject of analysis is a person. Explain why you selected this particular individual to be studied and describe what experiences they have had that provide an opportunity to advance new understandings about the research problem. Mention any background about this person which might help the reader understand the significance of their experiences that make them worthy of study. This includes describing the relationships this person has had with other people, institutions, and/or events that support using them as the subject for a case study research paper. It is particularly important to differentiate the person as the subject of analysis from others and to succinctly explain how the person relates to examining the research problem [e.g., why is one politician in a particular local election used to show an increase in voter turnout from any other candidate running in the election]. Note that these issues apply to a specific group of people used as a case study unit of analysis [e.g., a classroom of students].

If your subject of analysis is a place. In general, a case study that investigates a place suggests a subject of analysis that is unique or special in some way and that this uniqueness can be used to build new understanding or knowledge about the research problem. A case study of a place must not only describe its various attributes relevant to the research problem [e.g., physical, social, historical, cultural, economic, political], but you must state the method by which you determined that this place will illuminate new understandings about the research problem. It is also important to articulate why a particular place as the case for study is being used if similar places also exist [i.e., if you are studying patterns of homeless encampments of veterans in open spaces, explain why you are studying Echo Park in Los Angeles rather than Griffith Park?]. If applicable, describe what type of human activity involving this place makes it a good choice to study [e.g., prior research suggests Echo Park has more homeless veterans].

If your subject of analysis is a phenomenon. A phenomenon refers to a fact, occurrence, or circumstance that can be studied or observed but with the cause or explanation to be in question. In this sense, a phenomenon that forms your subject of analysis can encompass anything that can be observed or presumed to exist but is not fully understood. In the social and behavioral sciences, the case usually focuses on human interaction within a complex physical, social, economic, cultural, or political system. For example, the phenomenon could be the observation that many vehicles used by ISIS fighters are small trucks with English language advertisements on them. The research problem could be that ISIS fighters are difficult to combat because they are highly mobile. The research questions could be how and by what means are these vehicles used by ISIS being supplied to the militants and how might supply lines to these vehicles be cut off? How might knowing the suppliers of these trucks reveal larger networks of collaborators and financial support? A case study of a phenomenon most often encompasses an in-depth analysis of a cause and effect that is grounded in an interactive relationship between people and their environment in some way.

NOTE: The choice of the case or set of cases to study cannot appear random. Evidence that supports the method by which you identified and chose your subject of analysis should clearly support investigation of the research problem and linked to key findings from your literature review. Be sure to cite any studies that helped you determine that the case you chose was appropriate for examining the problem.

IV. Discussion

The main elements of your discussion section are generally the same as any research paper, but centered around interpreting and drawing conclusions about the key findings from your analysis of the case study. Note that a general social sciences research paper may contain a separate section to report findings. However, in a paper designed around a case study, it is common to combine a description of the results with the discussion about their implications. The objectives of your discussion section should include the following:

Reiterate the Research Problem/State the Major Findings Briefly reiterate the research problem you are investigating and explain why the subject of analysis around which you designed the case study were used. You should then describe the findings revealed from your study of the case using direct, declarative, and succinct proclamation of the study results. Highlight any findings that were unexpected or especially profound.

Explain the Meaning of the Findings and Why They are Important Systematically explain the meaning of your case study findings and why you believe they are important. Begin this part of the section by repeating what you consider to be your most important or surprising finding first, then systematically review each finding. Be sure to thoroughly extrapolate what your analysis of the case can tell the reader about situations or conditions beyond the actual case that was studied while, at the same time, being careful not to misconstrue or conflate a finding that undermines the external validity of your conclusions.

Relate the Findings to Similar Studies No study in the social sciences is so novel or possesses such a restricted focus that it has absolutely no relation to previously published research. The discussion section should relate your case study results to those found in other studies, particularly if questions raised from prior studies served as the motivation for choosing your subject of analysis. This is important because comparing and contrasting the findings of other studies helps support the overall importance of your results and it highlights how and in what ways your case study design and the subject of analysis differs from prior research about the topic.

Consider Alternative Explanations of the Findings Remember that the purpose of social science research is to discover and not to prove. When writing the discussion section, you should carefully consider all possible explanations revealed by the case study results, rather than just those that fit your hypothesis or prior assumptions and biases. Be alert to what the in-depth analysis of the case may reveal about the research problem, including offering a contrarian perspective to what scholars have stated in prior research if that is how the findings can be interpreted from your case.

Acknowledge the Study's Limitations You can state the study's limitations in the conclusion section of your paper but describing the limitations of your subject of analysis in the discussion section provides an opportunity to identify the limitations and explain why they are not significant. This part of the discussion section should also note any unanswered questions or issues your case study could not address. More detailed information about how to document any limitations to your research can be found here .

Suggest Areas for Further Research Although your case study may offer important insights about the research problem, there are likely additional questions related to the problem that remain unanswered or findings that unexpectedly revealed themselves as a result of your in-depth analysis of the case. Be sure that the recommendations for further research are linked to the research problem and that you explain why your recommendations are valid in other contexts and based on the original assumptions of your study.

V. Conclusion

As with any research paper, you should summarize your conclusion in clear, simple language; emphasize how the findings from your case study differs from or supports prior research and why. Do not simply reiterate the discussion section. Provide a synthesis of key findings presented in the paper to show how these converge to address the research problem. If you haven't already done so in the discussion section, be sure to document the limitations of your case study and any need for further research.

The function of your paper's conclusion is to: 1) reiterate the main argument supported by the findings from your case study; 2) state clearly the context, background, and necessity of pursuing the research problem using a case study design in relation to an issue, controversy, or a gap found from reviewing the literature; and, 3) provide a place to persuasively and succinctly restate the significance of your research problem, given that the reader has now been presented with in-depth information about the topic.

Consider the following points to help ensure your conclusion is appropriate:

If the argument or purpose of your paper is complex, you may need to summarize these points for your reader.
If prior to your conclusion, you have not yet explained the significance of your findings or if you are proceeding inductively, use the conclusion of your paper to describe your main points and explain their significance.
Move from a detailed to a general level of consideration of the case study's findings that returns the topic to the context provided by the introduction or within a new context that emerges from your case study findings.

Note that, depending on the discipline you are writing in or the preferences of your professor, the concluding paragraph may contain your final reflections on the evidence presented as it applies to practice or on the essay's central research problem. However, the nature of being introspective about the subject of analysis you have investigated will depend on whether you are explicitly asked to express your observations in this way.

Problems to Avoid

Overgeneralization One of the goals of a case study is to lay a foundation for understanding broader trends and issues applied to similar circumstances. However, be careful when drawing conclusions from your case study. They must be evidence-based and grounded in the results of the study; otherwise, it is merely speculation. Looking at a prior example, it would be incorrect to state that a factor in improving girls access to education in Azerbaijan and the policy implications this may have for improving access in other Muslim nations is due to girls access to social media if there is no documentary evidence from your case study to indicate this. There may be anecdotal evidence that retention rates were better for girls who were engaged with social media, but this observation would only point to the need for further research and would not be a definitive finding if this was not a part of your original research agenda.

Failure to Document Limitations No case is going to reveal all that needs to be understood about a research problem. Therefore, just as you have to clearly state the limitations of a general research study , you must describe the specific limitations inherent in the subject of analysis. For example, the case of studying how women conceptualize the need for water conservation in a village in Uganda could have limited application in other cultural contexts or in areas where fresh water from rivers or lakes is plentiful and, therefore, conservation is understood more in terms of managing access rather than preserving access to a scarce resource.

Failure to Extrapolate All Possible Implications Just as you don't want to over-generalize from your case study findings, you also have to be thorough in the consideration of all possible outcomes or recommendations derived from your findings. If you do not, your reader may question the validity of your analysis, particularly if you failed to document an obvious outcome from your case study research. For example, in the case of studying the accident at the railroad crossing to evaluate where and what types of warning signals should be located, you failed to take into consideration speed limit signage as well as warning signals. When designing your case study, be sure you have thoroughly addressed all aspects of the problem and do not leave gaps in your analysis that leave the reader questioning the results.

Case Studies. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Gerring, John. Case Study Research: Principles and Practices . New York: Cambridge University Press, 2007; Merriam, Sharan B. Qualitative Research and Case Study Applications in Education . Rev. ed. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1998; Miller, Lisa L. “The Use of Case Studies in Law and Social Science Research.” Annual Review of Law and Social Science 14 (2018): TBD; Mills, Albert J., Gabrielle Durepos, and Eiden Wiebe, editors. Encyclopedia of Case Study Research . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2010; Putney, LeAnn Grogan. "Case Study." In Encyclopedia of Research Design , Neil J. Salkind, editor. (Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2010), pp. 116-120; Simons, Helen. Case Study Research in Practice . London: SAGE Publications, 2009; Kratochwill, Thomas R. and Joel R. Levin, editors. Single-Case Research Design and Analysis: New Development for Psychology and Education . Hilldsale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1992; Swanborn, Peter G. Case Study Research: What, Why and How? London : SAGE, 2010; Yin, Robert K. Case Study Research: Design and Methods . 6th edition. Los Angeles, CA, SAGE Publications, 2014; Walo, Maree, Adrian Bull, and Helen Breen. “Achieving Economic Benefits at Local Events: A Case Study of a Local Sports Event.” Festival Management and Event Tourism 4 (1996): 95-106.

Writing Tip

At Least Five Misconceptions about Case Study Research

Social science case studies are often perceived as limited in their ability to create new knowledge because they are not randomly selected and findings cannot be generalized to larger populations. Flyvbjerg examines five misunderstandings about case study research and systematically "corrects" each one. To quote, these are:

Misunderstanding 1 : General, theoretical [context-independent] knowledge is more valuable than concrete, practical [context-dependent] knowledge. Misunderstanding 2 : One cannot generalize on the basis of an individual case; therefore, the case study cannot contribute to scientific development. Misunderstanding 3 : The case study is most useful for generating hypotheses; that is, in the first stage of a total research process, whereas other methods are more suitable for hypotheses testing and theory building. Misunderstanding 4 : The case study contains a bias toward verification, that is, a tendency to confirm the researcher’s preconceived notions. Misunderstanding 5 : It is often difficult to summarize and develop general propositions and theories on the basis of specific case studies [p. 221].

While writing your paper, think introspectively about how you addressed these misconceptions because to do so can help you strengthen the validity and reliability of your research by clarifying issues of case selection, the testing and challenging of existing assumptions, the interpretation of key findings, and the summation of case outcomes. Think of a case study research paper as a complete, in-depth narrative about the specific properties and key characteristics of your subject of analysis applied to the research problem.

Flyvbjerg, Bent. “Five Misunderstandings About Case-Study Research.” Qualitative Inquiry 12 (April 2006): 219-245.

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168 Current International Relations Research Topics For Any Level

Are you a student looking for intriguing international relations research topics? Look no further! In this blog post, we have created a list of 168 unique and thought-provoking research topics in the field of international relations that should help students get an A+ on their next paper.

Whether you’re studying political science, international affairs or related disciplines, this comprehensive list covers a wide range of fascinating subjects. From global governance to security issues, diplomacy, human rights, and more, these topics are designed to inspire your research and help you delve deeper into the complexities of international relations. So, grab your notepad and get ready to explore these captivating research ideas!

A Word On International Relations Theses

International relations is the study of interactions between nations and global actors. It examines politics, economics, security, and culture, exploring how countries cooperate, conflict and shape global dynamics. If you’re about to start working on a thesis in international relations and you are wondering what to include in your paper, here is a short explanation of each of the mandatory chapters:

Introduction: The opening section that presents the research problem, objectives, and significance of the study. Literature Review: A comprehensive review of existing scholarly works related to the research topic, providing a context for the study. Methodology: Describes the research design, data collection methods, and analytical techniques used to address the research questions or hypotheses. Findings: Presents the empirical results or outcomes of the research, often supported by data, analysis, and interpretation. Discussion: Analyzes and interprets the findings in relation to the research objectives, drawing connections to existing literature and providing insights. Conclusion: Summarizes the main findings, highlights the contributions to the field, and suggests avenues for future research. References: Lists all the sources cited in the thesis following a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

Now, it’s time to deliver on our promise and give you the list of international relations research paper topics. Choose the one you like the most:

Easy International Relations Research Topics

Explore our list of easy international relations research topics that will help you understand global politics and analyze the dynamics of international relations with ease

The impact of globalization on state sovereignty and international relations
Analyzing the role of non-state actors in global governance structures
The influence of soft power in shaping international relations and diplomacy
Exploring the relationship between human rights and international relations
Examining the dynamics of economic interdependence in international relations
The role of international organizations in promoting peace and security
Assessing the impact of climate change on international relations and cooperation
Analyzing the role of regional integration in shaping global politics
The implications of cyber warfare for international relations and national security
Examining the challenges and opportunities of humanitarian intervention in international relations
Analyzing the role of ideology in shaping state behavior in international relations
Exploring the impact of migration and refugee crises on international relations
Assessing the role of international law in resolving conflicts and promoting peace
Investigating the role of intelligence agencies in shaping international relations

International Relations Thesis Topics

Our wide range of international relations thesis topics will guide you towards developing a strong research question, conducting in-depth analysis, and contributing to the field with your original research:

Power dynamics and the balance of power in international relations
Exploring the role of diplomacy in conflict resolution and peacebuilding
The impact of nuclear proliferation on international security and non-proliferation regimes
Analyzing the role of international institutions in managing global crises
The influence of nationalism on interstate relations and regional cooperation
Examining the role of international norms and human rights in shaping foreign policy
Assessing the impact of economic globalization on state sovereignty in international relations
The role of social media in shaping public opinion and international relations
Exploring the concept of hegemony and its implications for international relations
The role of gender in international relations and its impact on policy-making
Analyzing the role of intelligence agencies in shaping international relations
The implications of emerging technologies on international security and arms control
Examining the role of media and propaganda in international conflicts and public opinion
The impact of regional integration on state behavior and international cooperation

Advanced International Relations Topics For Research

Dive into complex issues, explore cutting-edge theories, and unravel the intricate dynamics of global affairs with our advanced international relations topics for research:

China’s global rise and its power dynamics
Non-traditional security threats in international relations
AI and warfare: Implications for international security
Climate change, conflict, and forced migration in international relations
Religion and politics in international relations
Populism’s impact on global governance and international relations
Social movements and civil society in shaping international relations
Pandemics and international cooperation: Implications for global governance
Cultural diplomacy and soft power in international relations
Information warfare and disinformation in international relations
Regional powers shaping global security dynamics
Responsibility to protect and humanitarian interventions in international relations
Resource scarcity and environmental degradation in international relations
Migration and refugee crises’ impact on global stability

International Relations Research Questions

Our carefully curated list of international relations research questions will inspire critical thinking and promote meaningful discussions:

How does power transition theory explain shifts in global power dynamics?
What are the implications of the rise of non-state actors on traditional state-centric international relations theories?
How do identity politics and nationalism shape interstate conflicts?
What are the factors influencing state compliance with international human rights norms?
How does globalization impact state sovereignty?
What are the challenges of multilateralism in addressing global issues?
How does public opinion influence state behavior in international relations?
What are the causes and consequences of failed states in international relations?
How does the distribution of power in international institutions affect their legitimacy?
What are the implications of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, on international security?
How do regional conflicts and security dilemmas impact regional integration efforts?
What are the root causes of terrorism?
How does economic interdependence shape interstate relations and global governance structures?
What are the challenges of global environmental governance in addressing climate change?

International Relations Paper Topics

Choose one of our international relations paper topics that resonate with your interests and embark on an enriching research journey:

The role of ideology in shaping state behavior in international relations
Analyzing the impact of economic sanctions on diplomatic relations between countries
The role of media and propaganda in influencing public opinion in international conflicts
Exploring the relationship between globalization and cultural identity in international relations
The implications of cybersecurity threats on national security and international relations
Assessing the role of intelligence agencies in gathering and analyzing international intelligence
Analyzing the impact of regional organizations on regional conflicts and cooperation in international relations
The influence of international trade agreements on global economic and political relations
Exploring the dynamics of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation in international relations
The role of international law in resolving territorial disputes and promoting peace
Non-state actors in international relations: Influence and challenges
Conflict resolution mechanisms: Negotiation, mediation, and peacebuilding approaches
Diplomatic immunity: Balancing immunity with accountability in international relations
The impact of global pandemics on international cooperation and security

Engaging Topic Ideas About International Relations

Are you seeking engaging and captivating topic ideas for your international relations research? Choose one of these engaging topic ideas about international relations:

Global governance and international organizations in addressing global challenges.
Nationalism’s impact on international relations and global cooperation.
Soft power in shaping international perceptions and relations.
Regional conflicts’ implications for global stability and security.
Cyber warfare: Assessing evolving cyber threats in international relations.
Media’s role in international relations: Influence, propaganda, and disinformation.
Economic interdependence: Opportunities and risks in global relations.
Diplomacy in the digital age: Challenges of virtual diplomacy.
Global migration and refugee crises: Humanitarian and political dimensions.
Human rights in international relations: Promoting universal rights.
Terrorism’s impact on global security and counterterrorism efforts.
Environmental diplomacy: Addressing global environmental challenges.
Religion’s role in international relations.
Regional power dynamics: Influence of major powers in different regions

Interesting International Relations Research Paper Topics

Uncover fascinating research paper topics in international relations that will captivate your readers and showcase your analytical skills. Use one of these interesting international relations research paper topics:

Populism’s rise and its impact on international relations and global governance
Climate change’s geopolitical implications: Conflicts, migrations, and resource competition
Hybrid warfare: Analyzing blurred lines between conventional and unconventional threats
Technology’s impact on diplomacy and the future of diplomatic practices
Nuclear energy diplomacy: Balancing peaceful uses and proliferation concerns
Soft power and cultural industries’ influence in international relations
Politics of humanitarian aid: Challenges and ethical considerations
Media framing’s impact on public opinion in international conflicts
International cooperation in space exploration and its geopolitical implications
Diaspora communities’ role in shaping international relations and global politics
Migration policies and human rights: Balancing border control and human dignity
Global health governance: Cooperation, challenges, and pandemic responses
Environmental peacebuilding: Addressing conflicts over natural resources and degradation
Economic sanctions: Effectiveness and ethical implications in international relations

Political Science Dissertation Topics

Our list of political science dissertation topics will provide you with a solid foundation for developing a unique research proposal and making a significant contribution to the field:

The role of political ideologies in foreign policy and international relations.
National security strategies and state behavior in international relations.
Global governance and collective decision-making challenges in international institutions.
Public opinion’s influence on foreign policy and international relations.
Identity politics and intergroup relations in international contexts.
Humanitarian interventions and the responsibility to protect.
Geopolitics and resource conflicts: Strategic importance of natural resources.
International law’s role in shaping state behavior and resolving conflicts.
Comparative political systems in international relations.
Political leadership’s impact on diplomatic relations and cooperation.
International development assistance: Aid effectiveness and challenges.
Non-state actors in global politics: Influence, networks, power dynamics.
Intelligence agencies in international intelligence gathering and analysis.
Political parties and foreign policy shaping

Current International Relations Topics For Research Paper

Stay up to date with the latest developments in global politics by exploring our selection of current international relations topics for research paper writing :

Emerging technologies’ impact on global security and power dynamics.
Transnational threats: Terrorism, crime, and cyber challenges in focus.
Regional integration in globalization: Achievements, limitations, and prospects.
Trade wars: Implications for global economy and cooperation.
Disinformation and fake news: Influence on international politics and public opinion.
Climate change negotiations: Progress and challenges in combating global warming
Cybersecurity and emerging threats in international relations.
Regional power dynamics in the Middle East: Implications for global security
Global responses to the COVID-19 pandemic: Cooperation and challenges
Climate change mitigation and adaptation in international policy
Rising nationalism and its impact on international cooperation
Humanitarian crisis in Yemen: International responses and challenges
Technology and the future of warfare: Implications for global security
The Belt and Road Initiative: Assessing its impact on international relations

Awesome Research Topics For International Relations

Our awesome research topics for international relations allow you to explore diverse areas of global politics and contribute to the field with your exceptional research:

NGOs’ role in shaping international policies and agendas
Humanitarian interventions and the responsibility to protect: Effectiveness and ethics
Cybersecurity challenges in international relations: Risks and responses
Global migration governance: Policies and implications
Globalization vs national sovereignty: Impacts on state behavior
China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Geopolitical influence and challenges
Nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation: Effectiveness of treaties
Gender in international relations: Impact of norms and policies
Post-colonial perspectives in international relations: Power dynamics and legacies
Climate justice and international cooperation: Addressing climate change
Regional organizations in global governance and international relations
Politics of humanitarian intervention: Strategies and outcomes
Political economy of international trade: Impact of policies and agreements
Populism’s impact on democracy and international relations

Controversial International Relations Topics

Delve into the realm of controversy and discourse with our thought-provoking controversial international relations topics:

Drones in targeted killings: Legal and ethical implications
Nuclear energy and non-proliferation: Benefits and risks
Intervention in state sovereignty: Legitimacy and consequences
Ethics of economic sanctions: Effectiveness and impact on civilians
Cyber warfare and international norms: Regulating cyber conflicts
Climate change’s impact on national security and conflicts
Intelligence agencies in covert operations and international relations
Politics of humanitarian aid: Motivations and challenges
Ethics of military intervention: Justifications and consequences
Politics of regime change: Motivations and implications
Media bias’s impact on international perceptions and diplomacy
Private military companies: Challenges and accountability
Politics of disarmament and arms control: Progress and challenges
Corporate interests’ influence on foreign policy and relations

Best International Relations Topics For 2023

Stay ahead of the curve with our selection of the best international relations topics for 2023. These carefully curated topics reflect the current trends, emerging challenges and pressing issues:

COVID-19 pandemic’s implications on global politics and international relations
Rise of populism and its impact on democracy and international cooperation
Cybersecurity challenges in a hyper-connected world: Risks and responses
Future of international cooperation in addressing global challenges and conflicts
Climate change and security: Implications for international relations and stability
Evolving role of regional powers in shaping global politics and relations
Technological advancements’ impact on state power and international relations
Global governance reform: Restructuring international institutions
Social media’s role in shaping international perceptions and political movements
Challenges and prospects of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation
Intersection of artificial intelligence and international relations
Impact of trade wars on global economic relations and cooperation
Geopolitical tensions in the Arctic: Resource competition and influence
Future of multilateralism: Relevance and effectiveness in a changing world

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We have also prepared a list of best topics on the following disciplines:

122 Best Ecology Topics To Sparkle Your Writing
150 Original Accounting Research Paper Topics
233 Marketing Research Topics To Come Up With An Impressive Paper
Leadership Topics For Academic Research Papers
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101 Best Computer Science Topics
50+ Excellent Economics Paper Topics You Should Not Miss
100 Gender Research Topics For Academic Papers
60+ History Research Paper Topics From Our Top Writers
110 Impressive Nursing Research Topics To Use

How do I choose a research topic in international relations?

Consider your interests, current events, and gaps in existing literature to identify an area of focus. Brainstorm potential topics and ensure they align with your research objectives.

What makes a strong international relations research paper?

A strong research paper includes a well-defined research question, solid theoretical framework, rigorous analysis, credible sources, and logical structure. It should also contribute to the existing body of knowledge.

How can I narrow down my international relations research topic?

Consider specific regions, actors, theories, or policy areas within international relations. Narrowing down your topic will allow for a more focused and manageable research paper.

Can I use case studies in my international relations research paper?

Yes, case studies can be valuable in providing empirical evidence and in-depth analysis. They help illustrate theoretical concepts and offer real-world examples to support your arguments.

145+ Interesting Political Science Research Topics of 2023

What is Political Science?

It is a specialized branch of study dealing with the government of stress and systems. It is a very scientific analysis of political behaviour and activity.

Suppose you are a college or university student in any part of the world with political science as a major subject. In that case, you must be under the huge pressure of political science research assignment papers. These papers are very much important for you since the grades you get in these papers carry a lot of significance in the near future.

How to Write Political Science Research Paper?

Select a good topic: This is one of the major steps in writing a good political science research paper. The right research paper topic can be selected through general reading on your area of interest.
Developing all the research questions: This step is very important in writing your research paper. It helps to determine what issues you need t resolve in your paper.
Develop a proper research design: You must explore the data type needed to answer the research questions. This data is mostly qualitative as well as quantitative. For this, you need to evaluate the most appropriate tools for the collected data.
Develop the thesis: This involves the coming up of arguments for advanced political science papers. After tidying up your research paper, you need to come up with a main argument to get advanced in your research study work. This argument is mostly revised later to streamline the derived themes. These always need to be important and serious, contestable, bringing forward any particular theme.
Data collection and analysis: This involves the collection and analysis of the primary and secondary data in a logical pattern. You need to set all types of data used here.
Data compiling: This step deals with putting the collected data together to form a solid argument to support your research paper.
Referencing: in this step, you need to compile all the resources that are used in writing your paper. You also need to follow the proper format here.
Proofreading and editing: It is the final as well a very important step in writing your political science research paper. It would help if you always proofread and edit thoroughly to make your paper error-free.

Importance of Political Science Research Paper Writing

Political science research paper helps students understand various political institutions and laws governing business functions. This also sharpens students’ minds to understand the dynamics of organizations and human relations with their writing, communication, and statistical skills.

Political Science Research Paper Topics and Ideas

Political science research topics.

Behavioral Approach to Parties
Presidential vs Parliamentary Democracy
The United States vs the United Kingdom Foreign Policies
Anglo-Saxon Traits in American Government
Cultural Pressure Between the United States and Japan
Soviet Union Ideology
Chinese Communist Party Hierarchy
Apartheid Phenomenon
Recruitment in Developing Countries
Effects of the Vietnam War

Political Science Research Topics on Comparative Politics

Global security network vs satellite
NGO ethical guidelines vs government
International Monetary Fund Structure vs world bank
Inflation vs Global poverty causes
Artic circles vs power battles
Syrian Conflict and peace
Human rights and law
Politics and terrorism
Peace and harmony

Also Read: 210+ Fascinating Entrepreneurship Research Paper Topics

International Relations Political Science Research Topics

Impact of coronavirus on international relationships
What is the role of UNO in spearheading global unity?
What is the contribution of the global bodies in fostering global unity?
Effects of various diplomatic relations in various nations
The threat of global terrorism
Can the USA promote global aid to nations under distress?
Developing vs developed countries
Role of global nuclear proliferation
What is the essence of human rights in the global; arena
Unit-level concepts in international relations

Political Science Philosophy Research Topics

Existentialism via Western Constitutional Law Lens
German Philosophy and Karl Schmidt Theses
American Revolution Causes
Neopatrimonialism Society Risks
Civil Republicanism in Contrast With Liberalism
Liberal Democracy Justification
Post-Socialist Transition Methods
“Black lives matter “perception
State-after-amendment acts

Political Science Research Topics on Public Administration

Role of youth in nation development
Employment procedures
Effects of alcoholism on youth
Industrial relations in organizations
Housing nature in Nigeria
Effects of civil services to improve human life standard
Adverse effects of poor management
Effect of social responsibility on industries
Role of personnel development in any organization
Significance of leadership

Political Science Research Topics on Public Law

Relationships among the judicial, executive and legislative government branches
Dynamics across public, private, and nonprofit sectors
Legal framework for governance, policy development and implementation
Uses of technology in governance
The emergence of collaborative structures for managing resources
Intergovernmental relations in collaborative governance, federalism, dispute resolution and deliberation
Imposition of uniform civil code across a country
Anti-terrorism law
Labour laws
Military laws

Political Science Theorists Research Topics

Can nationalism be regarded as the best political tool?
20th-century politics and Karl Marx
How do technologies impact voting procedures?
Is modern political culture dependent upon technology?
Fascism and its faces before and after World War II.
Effects of various electoral reforms
Modern politics vs environmental struggle.
Have USA foreign policies affected the whole western world?
Voting process alternation by technology.
Modernization of global politics in the 21st century.

Must Read: 120+ Unique Evaluation Essay Topics and Ideas for College Students

Political Science Conflicts Research Topics

Civil War Causes and Peculiarities
Syrian Government Repression
Social Networks and Protest Movements
Afghanistan Conflict
Ukraine Divided – Political Powers at Play
Reagan’s Political Agenda
Yemen Conflict Resolution Methods
Mexico and Immigrants Crisis
Insurgencies in various countries

Political Science Research Topics on Conflict Resolution

Peacebuilding
Journal of Peacebuilding and Development
The Journal of Conflict Resolution
Journal of Peace Research
Foreign Policy
Foreign Affairs
American Political Science Review
International Peacekeeping
Dealing with cross-border terrorism
International Security

Political Science Research Topics on Mediation & Negotiation

Can nationalism be classified as a proper school in history for leaders?
How do technologies impact voting processes?
International trade
Global aids
Role of IMF in dialogue with global financial crises
Electoral reforms
Modern politics and environmental struggles

Political Science Research Topics on Political Theory

Building Government Capacity for addressing Global Environmental Challenges
Influences of Social Movements and Advocacy Groups on Policymaking
Effect of an Interdependent World on the Roles of Governments and Institutions
Prosperity and Equality through Public Policy
Factors Influencing Policymaking around Taxes, Regulation, and Trade
Influences of Gender, Race, Class, and Other Aspects of Identity on Policymaking
Role of Government in Providing Affordable Healthcare
Mitigating Cyber Breaches with Security Challenges Through Policymaking
Harnessing Data for Good Governance
Regulating Disinformation in the United States via Public Policy

Political Science Research Topics: Law

A review of the Human Rights Act 1998
Privacy Law or Commercial Exploitation?
Criminal Law vs Common Morality
Civil Liberties and National Security Complaints
Post-Conflict Justice Inequality
European Legal History – Legislators
The System of Police Interrogation
Judicial Review Argumentation Analysis
Police Interrogation vs Socio-Economic Preferences
Custody Battles and Gender Bias Psychology

Research Topics on Political Conflicts

Social Networks vs Protest Movements
Reagan’s Political Agenda
Civil War Causes vs Peculiarities
Iraq War and History of War Crimes
War In Donbas: Russia’s Aggression In Ukraine
Causes of Rebellion in the Central African Republic

Also, Read This: What Are the Best Business Research Topics For 2023?

Interesting Political Science Research Topics

Political Psychology
An Overview Of Political Science
Culture and Politics
Civil Wars Causes and Consequences
Terrorism as a Political tool
Populism overview
Social Movements In Politics
The Similarities Of Totalitarian Regimes
Different Types of Electoral Systems
Effects of dictatorship

Latest Political Science Research Topics 2023

How can poor national economic development be directly proportional to the government’s actions on the economy?
How can foreign investment improve the economy?
Best national trade rules
Rise of nationalization and nationalized industries
Effect of civil laws and uniform civil code all across any big nation
How to deal with economic inflation
How to save a country from bankruptcy?
International cultural exchanges
Global Harmony
Relationships among cross-border neighbours in various countries
Behavioral Approach to Parties Comparison
Presidential versus Parliamentary Democracy
Vietnam War Interests Aggregation
Cultural Pressure Between the United States & Japan
NGO Ethical Guidelines
Global Security Networks Analysis

Political Science Research Topics: Domestic

Beginnings of Politics from tribes to nation
What Makes Politics a Necessity
Communism and Its Ingrained Instability
Is Anarchy Ever Going to Become the Norm?
The Corporate Nether of Late-Stage Capitalism
How Do Socialites Became Politicians
NGOs and GOs — the Close but Distant Relationship Between the Two Bodies
People Skills and Politics. What It Takes to Get Ahead
Political Theorists Research Topics
How Meme Culture Has Raised Political Awareness
Open societies vs politics
Corruption and politics
Divided Governments- Analysis of its work principles
Explain the public relation concept in politics
American Government vs the Anglo-Saxon Traits
Pros and cons of Constructivism
Explain the Apartheid phenomenon
Various causes of the national revolution
Justify Liberal Democracy
Public safety and its optimal benefits

Political Science Research Topics: Economics

Behavioral Health Economics and Policy
Decisions under Risk and Uncertainty
Behavioral Labour vs Organizational Economics
Experimental vs Behavioral analyses of markets
Charitable Behavior
Behavioral Welfare Economics
Analysis of Conflict vs Conflict Resolution
Banking and financial stability
Financial Economics vs Household Finance
Household portfolios

Complete List of Political Science Research Topics and Ideas

Censorship in China
Social security issues in Australia
Civil rights controversies in the United Kingdom
Talk about abortion vs its political implications
Climate change and politics
Discuss the death penalty in the US
Social security issues in African countries
Should we adopt a universal minimum income?
Who should benefit from health insurance?

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Top 120+ Best Ideas for Research Paper Topics 2023

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652 Case Study Topics & Good Ideas

18 January 2024

last updated

Case study topics delve into intricate issues within various fields, shedding light on the intricacies of real-world situations. They span multiple domains, including business, where they may explore strategic decision-making strategies, or healthcare, examining patient outcomes in unique cases. In technology, they may dissect software development practices or the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society. For education, case studies may scrutinize pedagogical approaches and their effects on student performance. In the social sciences, they can unpack complex societal phenomena or individual behavior. Each topic is an author’s microscope, providing an in-depth, multi-faceted perspective of its subject matter. By studying these topics, researchers and students alike can gain valuable insights into the practical implications and consequences of theories and principles, bridging the gap between abstract ideas and their tangible manifestations in the world.

Hot Case Study Topics

Facebook’s Data Privacy Controversy: A Deep Dive
Amazon’s Dominance: Exploring Market Strategies
Global Response to COVID-19: A Comparative Analysis
Tesla’s Disruption of the Auto Industry: A Case Study
Implementing Agile Practices: A Spotify Case Study
Alibaba’s Expansion Into International Markets
Apple’s Innovation Strategy: Maintaining a Competitive Edge
Starbucks: Mastering the Art of Customer Experience
Netflix: Redefining Television and Film Distribution
IKEA’s Global Branding and Localization Strategies
Mental Health Services: Evaluating Teletherapy Platforms
WeWork’s Rapid Rise and Fall: Lessons Learned
Economic Impact of Brexit: A Sectoral Analysis
Exploring Uber’s Gig Economy Business Model
Zoom’s Growth During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Sustainable Practices: A Patagonia Case Study
Disaster Management: Lessons From the Fukushima Nuclear Accident
Airbnb’s Impact on the Traditional Hospitality Industry
Google’s Algorithm Updates: Understanding SEO Impacts
CSR Initiatives: A Coca-Cola Case Study

Simple Case Study Topics

Small Business Success: A Local Bakery Case Study
Community Engagement: Park Revitalization Project
Efficiency in Nonprofit Organizations: A Food Bank Case Study
Art Therapy and Mental Health: A Clinical Case Study
Managing School Bullying: Strategies and Outcomes
Green Initiatives: Local Recycling Program Case Study
Exploring E-Learning: A Virtual Classroom Case Study
Music and Memory: A Case Study in Dementia Care
Animal Assisted Therapy: A Case Study in Child Psychology
Internet Safety Education: School Implementation Case Study
Outdoor Education: A Forest School Case Study
Meal Planning Apps: A User Experience Case Study
Teenagers and Social Media: A Behavior Study
Urban Farming: A Case Study in Sustainable Living
Book Clubs and Literacy: A Community Library Case Study
Elderly Care: Home vs. Assisted Living Facilities
Supporting Autistic Students: A Special Education Case Study
Reducing Plastic Waste: A Supermarket Initiative Case Study
Stress Management at Work: A Corporate Wellness Program Case Study
Yoga and Wellness: A Community Center Case Study

Interesting Case Study Topics

Vanishing Bees: An Ecological Case Study
Cryptocurrency’s Influence on Traditional Banking
Medical Miracles: A Case Study of Extraordinary Recoveries
The Resurrection of Vinyl: A Case Study in Niche Markets
Rebirth of Drive-In Theaters Amidst Pandemic
Mars Rover Missions: A Case Study in Robotic Exploration
Feral Children and Human Behavior: An Ethnographic Case Study
Forensic Science in Action: High-Profile Criminal Cases
Haunted Tourism: A Business Case Study
Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Industry Examples
Recovery of the Ozone Layer: A Global Effort Case Study
Graffiti as Urban Art: A Cultural Case Study
Preservation of Endangered Languages: Case Studies
Crowdfunding Success Stories: An Economic Case Study
Pseudoscience in Marketing: A Consumer Case Study
Augmented Reality in Education: Exploratory Case Study
Internet Memes and Virality: A Social Media Case Study
Revival of Dying Crafts: A Case Study in Cultural Preservation
Language Development in Parrots: An Ethological Case Study
Autonomous Cars and Ethics: A Case Study in Technology Development

Case Study Topics for High School

Climate Change: Polar Ice Melt Study
Effects of Fast Food on Adolescence Health
Internet and Teenage Sleep Patterns
Bystander Effect in High School Settings
Bullying Prevention Programs: Case Study
Teenagers and Social Media: A Behavioral Analysis
Community Service: High School Volunteer Programs
Diversity in Schools: A Case Study
Environmental Cleanup: Local River Revitalization Case Study
Peer Pressure and Substance Abuse: A School Case Study
Digital Classroom: Online Learning Platforms Review
Music Programs and Academic Performance: An Investigative Study
Coping With Stress: School-Based Mental Health Initiatives
Parental Involvement in Academic Achievement: A Case Study
Local History: Case Study of a Historical Event or Figure
Teenage Entrepreneurship: A Case Study
Extracurricular Activities and College Admissions: A Case Study
Graffiti Art or Vandalism: A Local Case Study
Recycling Habits: High School Environmental Programs Case Study

Case Study Topics for College Students

Title IX Compliance: An Investigation Into College Sports
Education Technology Adoption in Universities
Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Online Learning Methods
Entrepreneurship Education: Startup Culture in Colleges
Institutional Discrimination: Unveiling Bias in Higher Education
Blockchain in Higher Education: An Analytical Review
Food Deserts: Investigating Access to Healthy Food on College Campuses
Fraternity and Sorority Life: Effects on Student Performance
Academic Stress: Exploring Its Causes and Effects
Open-Source Learning: Transformation in Educational Practices
Non-Traditional Students: Balancing Education and Life Responsibilities
Esports in Universities: Analysis of New Trends in College Athletics
College Tuition: Inflation and Student Debt
Undergraduate Research: Investigating Its Benefits and Challenges
Climate Change Education: Reviewing University Policies and Curriculum
Integration of Augmented Reality in Classroom Settings
International Students: Navigating Cultural Challenges in Universities
Active Learning Strategies: Classroom Engagement Case Study
First-Year Experience Programs: Evaluating Success Rates
LGBTQ+ Rights on Campus: An Examination of Policies and Attitudes
Campus Sustainability: Green Initiatives in Universities
Student Loans: A Deep Dive Into Debt Crisis
Art Therapy: Its Influence on College Students’ Mental Health
Internship Experience: An Investigation of Practical Learning
Study Abroad Programs: Experiential Learning Case Study
Cybersecurity in Higher Education: A University Case Study
Dormitory Life: Social Dynamics and Personal Growth
Gender Studies: Intersectionality in Campus Life
Gentrification: University Expansion and Local Communities
MOOCs: A New Era in Education
Hazing in Greek Life: A Comprehensive Case Study
First-Generation College Students: Challenges and Success Stories
Adjunct Professors: A Case Study on Employment Conditions
Campus Politics: Student Activism Case Study
Substance Use and Misuse in College Life
Diversity in College Admissions: Affirmative Action Case Study
Artificial Intelligence: Its Incorporation in Higher Education
Online Privacy: Case Study of College Students’ Digital Rights
Sports Scholarship: An Examination of Athletic Student Life
Campus Food Insecurity: A Case Study on College Hunger

Case Study Topics for University

Campus Sustainability Initiatives: Evaluating Success
Mental Health Services in Universities: A Critical Analysis
Experiential Learning: Impact on Student Success
Analysis of Student Housing: Quality and Affordability
Financial Literacy: Assessment of University Program Effectiveness
Cybersecurity in Universities: Reviewing Vulnerabilities and Threats
Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education: Policies and Practices
Balancing Academics and Athletics: University Athlete Performance
Remote Learning: Transformation in University Education
Strategies for Reducing Dropout Rates in Universities
Faculty Tenure: An In-Depth Analysis
Technological Integration: Navigating Digital Learning Tools
Study Abroad Programs: Evaluating Benefits and Challenges
Multiculturalism on Campus: Investigating Integration and Tolerance
Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Future Prospects
Online Safety: Examining University Guidelines and Protocols
Post-Graduate Employment Rates: University Career Services Evaluation
First-Generation Students: Analyzing Support and Services
Work-Study Programs: Balancing Work and Education
Language Barriers: Analyzing Support for ESL Students

Applied Physics Case Study Topics

Semiconductor Technology Advancements: In-Depth Examination
High Energy Particle Colliders: Safety and Success Analysis
Quantum Computing Development: Analyzing Progress and Setbacks
Light Propagation in Optoelectronic Devices: A Critical Study
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Improvements: Examining Advances and Limitations
Nuclear Fusion Research: Detailed Overview and Analysis
Superconducting Materials: Exploration and Implementation
Photovoltaic Technology Enhancement: An Analytical Study
Non-Linear Optics in Laser Design: Thorough Examination
Quantum Entanglement Applications: Analysis of Promising Fields
Synchrotron Radiation in Material Science: Detailed Assessment
Plasma Physics in Space Exploration: Analyzing Real Cases
Photonic Crystals: Analyzing Manufacturing Challenges
Microfabrication Techniques in Nanotechnology: An In-Depth Analysis
Biophysics in Cancer Research: Case Study and Analysis
Thermoelectric Materials: Analyzing Energy Conversion Efficiency
Ultrafast Laser Physics: Examining Industrial Applications
Nanomaterials in Solar Energy Conversion: A Detailed Case Study
Quantum Field Theory Applications: Case Studies and Implications
Geophysics in Seismic Surveying: Examining Practical Cases

Architecture Case Study Topics

Adaptive Reuse in Architecture: An Insightful Case Study
Green Building Design Principles: In-Depth Analysis
Preservation of Historical Landmarks: Studying Success Stories
Parametric Design in Modern Construction: Examining Examples
Zero Energy Building Design: A Detailed Case Study
Skyscraper Architecture: Evaluation of Safety Measures
Sustainable Urban Planning: Case Studies in Eco-Cities
Acoustics in Architectural Design: Detailed Analysis
Deconstructivism in Contemporary Architecture: Examining Real Cases
Net-Zero Carbon Construction: A Promising Case Study
Art Deco Revival: Analyzing Modern Interpretations
Disaster-Resistant Infrastructure: A Case Study on Noteworthy Examples
Biophilic Design in Urban Spaces: Detailed Examination
Microarchitecture: Analysis of Successful Implementations
Museum Architecture: A Study of Visitor Experience
Pioneering Waterfront Revitalization Projects: Detailed Case Studies
Mixed-Use Building Design: An In-Depth Analysis
Transit-Oriented Developments: Examining Case Studies
Architectural Solutions for Aging Populations: Insightful Cases
Sensory Design in Public Spaces: A Detailed Study

Business Case Study Topics

Apple’s Innovative Product Strategy: Exploring Consumer Perception and Market Dominance
Enron Scandal: Analysis of Corporate Fraud and Its Implications
Tesla’s Disruption of the Automotive Industry: Case of Strategic Innovation
Starbucks’ Global Expansion: Evaluation of International Market Entry Strategies
Walmart’s Supply Chain Management: Efficiency and Scalability in Retail
Uber’s Regulatory Challenges: Navigating the Sharing Economy Landscape
Alibaba’s E-Commerce Success: Understanding Consumer Behavior in China
Netflix’s Business Model Transformation: From DVD Rentals to Streaming Dominance
IKEA’s Cost Leadership Strategy: Effect on Global Furniture Market
Zara’s Fast Fashion Model: Achieving Speed and Responsiveness in Retail
Google’s Organizational Culture: Influence on Innovation and Employee Satisfaction
Amazon’s Customer-Centric Approach: Evaluating Impact on Market Leadership
Boeing’s 737 Max Crisis: Analyzing Risk Management and Ethical Issues
Facebook’s Data Privacy Controversy: Impact on Corporate Reputation and User Trust
General Electric’s Diversification Strategy: Evaluating Success and Risks
Microsoft’s Acquisition of LinkedIn: Exploring Strategic Synergies and Challenges
Coca-Cola’s Branding Strategy: Global Influence and Consumer Perception
Toyota Production System: A Study in Lean Manufacturing and Quality Control
McDonald’s Adaptation to Local Cultures: Case of International Marketing Strategy
Airbnb’s Disruption of the Hospitality Industry: Examining Growth and Regulatory Challenges
Corporate Sustainability Practices: A Detailed Study
Successful Business Transformations: Analysis of Real Cases
Startup Growth Strategy: Examination of Silicon Valley Models
Ethics in Big Tech Companies: Analyzing Noteworthy Scenarios
Digital Marketing Strategy: A Case Study on Dominant Brands
Blockchain Applications in Financial Sector: In-Depth Analysis
Diversity and Inclusion in Fortune 500 Companies: Detailed Examination
Artificial Intelligence in Retail: A Comprehensive Case Study
Agile Methodology in Software Development: Analysis of Success Stories
Corporate Social Responsibility: Evaluation of Top-Performing Companies
Mergers and Acquisitions: Examination of High-Profile Cases
Gig Economy and Labor Rights: Detailed Analysis
E-Commerce Consumer Behavior: Examining Successful Strategies
Organizational Culture in Tech Giants: A Comprehensive Study
Sharing Economy Business Models: Analysis of Uber and Airbnb
Reviving Bankrupt Companies: A Study on Successful Turnarounds
Business Strategy in Emerging Markets: Case Studies From BRICS Nations
Innovative Supply Chain Management: Examining Leading Companies
Blue Ocean Strategy Implementation: Successful Cases Analysis
Corporate Governance in Family-Owned Enterprises: In-Depth Study

Conflict Resolution Case Study Topics

Mediation Techniques in Workplace Disputes: Comprehensive Analysis
Interpersonal Conflict Resolution: A Study on Communication Strategies
Cross-Cultural Conflict Management in Multinational Organizations: Detailed Examination
Restorative Justice in School Conflict: A Comprehensive Study
Post-Conflict Reconstruction: Case Studies From War-Torn Societies
Negotiation Strategies in International Diplomacy: In-Depth Analysis
Peacebuilding Efforts in Post-Genocide Rwanda: A Detailed Study
Resolving Family Business Disputes: Examination of Successful Cases
Arbitration in Labor Disputes: Analysis of High-Profile Cases
Community-Based Conflict Resolution: A Study on Indigenous Practices
Facilitation Methods in Group Conflicts: Detailed Examination
Conflict De-Escalation in Police Encounters: A Comprehensive Study
Online Dispute Resolution: A Case Study on E-Commerce Platforms
Alternative Dispute Resolution in Environmental Conflicts: In-Depth Analysis
Post-Acquisition Integration: A Study on Resolving Organizational Conflicts
Managing Disputes in Co-Operatives: Examination of Successful Strategies
Strategies for Resolving Political Conflicts: Analysis of Contemporary Cases
Religious Conflict Resolution: Case Studies From Interfaith Dialogues
Reconciliation Processes in Divided Societies: Detailed Examination
Conflict Management in Health Care Settings: A Comprehensive Study

Education Case Study Topics

Implementing Flipped Classroom Model: An Extensive Study
Bilingual Education Programs: Success Metrics and Evaluation
Online Learning Transition: Case Studies From Pandemic-Affected Institutions
STEM Initiatives in Underprivileged Schools: Analysis of Strategies
Student Performance and Class Size: A Detailed Examination
Inclusion of Students With Disabilities: Case Studies From Successful Schools
Charter Schools vs. Public Schools: Comparative Analysis
Pedagogical Innovations in Remote Learning: Comprehensive Investigation
Funding Allocation in Public Schools: A Detailed Study
Bullying Prevention Programs: Examination of Effective Strategies
Montessori Method in Early Childhood Education: An Extensive Study
Curriculum Adaptation for Diverse Learners: In-Depth Analysis
Teacher Retention Strategies in High-Need Schools: A Comprehensive Study
Integration of Augmented Reality in Classrooms: Case Studies
Literacy Initiatives in Adult Education: Analysis of Successful Programs
Outcomes of Experiential Learning: Case Studies From Progressive Institutions
Student Mental Health Services in Universities: A Detailed Study
Implementing Mindfulness in School Curriculum: An Extensive Analysis
Digital Literacy in Elementary Schools: In-Depth Study
Promoting Gender Equality in STEM Education: Successful Strategies Examined

Engineering Case Study Topics

Bio-Inspired Engineering Design: Innovative Approaches Explored
Smart Material Usage in Modern Infrastructure: An In-Depth Analysis
Nanotechnology in Medicine: A Comprehensive Investigation
Sustainable Practices in Civil Engineering: Detailed Case Studies
Green Energy Solutions in Electrical Engineering: Comprehensive Examination
Industrial Automation and Its Effects on Workforce Dynamics
Fiber-Optic Communications Systems: Case Studies of Global Impact
Reverse Engineering in Cybersecurity: An Extensive Study
Geotechnical Engineering and Seismic Safety: Innovative Approaches Examined
Thermal Energy Storage Technologies: In-Depth Analysis
Artificial Intelligence in Automotive Engineering: Case Studies
Quantum Computing and Its Implications for Engineering: Detailed Study
Biomechanics in Sports Engineering: A Comprehensive Investigation
3D Printing for Aerospace Applications: An In-Depth Study
Plasma Engineering in Waste Management: Detailed Case Studies
Renewable Energy Integration in Power Grids: In-Depth Examination
Machine Learning in Process Control: Comprehensive Investigation
Carbon Capture Technologies: Innovative Approaches in Chemical Engineering
Material Science in Nuclear Energy: Case Studies
Wearable Technology Design: Bioengineering Approaches Explored

Environmental Science Case Study Topics

Chornobyl Disaster: Examining the Long-Term Ecological Effects
Great Pacific Garbage Patch: A Study on Oceanic Plastic Pollution
Deforestation in the Amazon: An Analysis of Biodiversity Loss
Air Quality in Beijing: Assessing the Health Implications of Urban Industrialization
Acid Rain in the Northeastern United States: An Investigation Into Forest Degradation
Nuclear Waste Management at Yucca Mountain: Evaluating Disposal Techniques and Risks
Ozone Depletion Over Antarctica: Research Into Global Implications and Recovery Efforts
E-Waste Disposal in Agbogbloshie: Investigating the Impact on Local Ecosystems
Drought and Water Scarcity in Cape Town: Climate Change and Urban Water Management
Radiation Effects in Fukushima: Examining Wildlife and Environmental Health Post Nuclear Disaster
Fracking in the United States: Evaluating Environmental Risks and Regulations
Desertification in the Sahel: Understanding Causes and Environmental Impact
Melting Glaciers in the Himalayas: Assessing Impact on Regional Water Security
Air Pollution in Delhi: Understanding Causes and Mitigation Strategies
Plastic Waste Management in Sweden: A Study on National Recycling Initiatives
Wildfires in Australia: Assessing Climate Change Influence and Ecological Impact
Endangered Species Protection: A Case Study of the Iberian Lynx
Pollution in the Ganges: A Study on River Ecosystems and Public Health
Ocean Acidification and Marine Life: An In-Depth Analysis
Restoring Degraded Ecosystems: Innovative Approaches Explored
Climate Change Resilience in Urban Areas: Comprehensive Examination
Air Quality Improvement Strategies: Detailed Case Studies
Permaculture Practices for Sustainable Agriculture: An Extensive Study
Microplastics in Freshwater Systems: A Comprehensive Investigation
Renewable Energy Adoption in Developing Countries: In-Depth Analysis
Natural Disaster Mitigation and Climate Change: A Detailed Study
Carbon Sequestration in Forest Ecosystems: An Extensive Investigation
Sustainable Waste Management in Mega Cities: Case Studies
Ecological Impacts of Invasive Species: Comprehensive Examination
Geoengineering Solutions to Global Warming: Innovative Approaches Examined
Biodiversity Conservation in Fragmented Habitats: Detailed Case Studies
Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Management: In-Depth Analysis
Climate Change and Zoonotic Diseases: A Comprehensive Study
Eco-Friendly Building Materials: An In-Depth Examination
Biomimicry in Environmental Design: Detailed Case Studies
Food Security Under Changing Climatic Conditions: A Comprehensive Investigation
Wetland Restoration for Flood Control: An Extensive Study
Regenerative Agriculture and Soil Health: Case Studies of Global Impact

Ethical Dilemma Case Study Topics

Artificial Intelligence and Personal Privacy: An Ethical Conundrum
Balancing Freedom of Speech and Hate Speech: Detailed Case Studies
Ethics of Autonomous Weapons: A Comprehensive Examination
Prenatal Genetic Modification: A Moral Inquiry
Informed Consent in Medical Research: Complex Ethical Scenarios Explored
Patient Confidentiality vs. Public Safety: An In-Depth Analysis
Animal Testing for Scientific Advancement: Ethical Considerations
Whistleblowing in Corporate Culture: A Detailed Investigation
Climate Justice and Intergenerational Equity: An Extensive Study
Equitable Distribution of Organ Transplants: Ethical Case Studies
Racial Profiling in Law Enforcement: An In-Depth Examination
Ethical Challenges in Genomic Data Sharing: Detailed Case Studies
Big Data Ethics in Marketing: A Comprehensive Investigation
Internet Censorship and Freedom of Information: A Moral Quandary
Genetic Privacy in the Era of Genome Sequencing: An Extensive Study
Physician-Assisted Suicide: Ethical Aspects Explored
Ethics of Care in Robotic Assistance for Elderly: An In-Depth Analysis
Child Labor in Supply Chains: Ethical Dilemmas Examined
Biopiracy and Indigenous Knowledge: Detailed Case Studies
Dual Use Research in Life Sciences: Ethical Implications Investigated

Human Rights Case Studies

Rohingya Crisis: A Study on Ethnic Cleansing and Human Rights in Myanmar
Hong Kong Protests: Examining Civil Liberties and Autonomy
The Flint Water Crisis: Human Rights in Access to Safe Drinking Water
Yazidi Genocide: Investigating Crimes Against Humanity in Iraq
Human Rights Violations in North Korea: State Control and Political Oppression
The European Migrant Crisis: Analyzing Refugee Rights and State Responsibilities
Uyghur Repression: Cultural Genocide and Human Rights in China
Black Lives Matter: Policing and Racial Discrimination in the United States
Brexit and the Good Friday Agreement: Human Rights Concerns in Northern Ireland
Google’s Project Dragonfly: Corporate Complicity in Human Rights Abuse
Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp: A Study on Torture and Indefinite Detention
The Colombian Peace Process: Transitional Justice and Human Rights
Female Genital Mutilation in Africa: Cultural Practices vs. Human Rights
Human Rights in Saudi Arabia: Women’s Rights and Freedom of Expression
Child Labor in the Cocoa Industry: Corporate Accountability and Human Rights
Indigenous Land Rights: The Case of the Dakota Access Pipeline
LGBTQ+ Rights in Russia: State Homophobia and Legal Discrimination
Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: Examining Human Rights Under Occupation
Climate Change and Human Rights: The Case of the Maldives and Rising Sea Levels
Child Soldiers and International Human Rights Law: A Deep Dive
Analyzing Internet Access as a Human Right: An Examination
Exploring LGBTQ+ Rights in Global Perspective: Case Studies
Religious Freedom and Persecution: A Comprehensive Inquiry
Human Trafficking: In-Depth Analysis and Case Studies
Indigenous Land Rights: Examination of International Perspectives
Human Rights Violations in Authoritarian Regimes: Detailed Studies
Migrant Workers and Human Rights: A Comprehensive Analysis
Disability Rights and Accessibility: A Global Overview
Cyber Surveillance and Privacy Rights: Detailed Investigations
Forced Labor in the Modern World: In-Depth Case Studies
Gender Equality and Women’s Rights: A Comprehensive Examination
Child Labor and Exploitation: An International Perspective
Racial Discrimination and Human Rights Law: In-Depth Studies
Climate Refugees: Examining Rights and Legal Frameworks
Freedom of Speech in the Digital Age: Case Studies
Human Rights Challenges in Counter-Terrorism Measures: A Comprehensive Analysis
Rights of the Elderly: An Examination of Global Perspectives
Asylum Seekers and Refugee Rights: Detailed Investigations

Information Case Study Topics

Cybersecurity Protocols: A Detailed Study on Protecting Sensitive Data
Big Data Analysis: Case Studies on Predictive Analytics
Blockchain Technology: Revolutionizing Data Integrity and Verification
Information Overload: Handling Excessive Data in Digital Environments
Future of Quantum Computing: Potential Shifts in Information Processing
Privacy Issues in the Age of Information: A Detailed Analysis
Digital Divide: How Does Information Accessibility Affect Social Equality?
Information Management in Healthcare: Optimizing Patient Data Handling
Artificial Intelligence: A Study on Machine Learning Algorithms
Deepfake Technologies: Analyzing Threats to Digital Identities
Holographic Data Storage: Implications for Future Information Systems
Internet of Things: Examining Vulnerabilities and Security Measures
5G Technology: Investigating the Transition From 4G and Its Implications
Biometrics: An Investigation Into Privacy and Security
Virtual Reality: A Case Study on Its Potential in Education
Augmented Reality: Uncovering Uses Beyond Entertainment
Cloud Computing: Analyzing Security and Data Privacy
Smart Cities: Scrutinizing the Future of Urban Living
Quantum Cryptography: A Study on the Future of Secure Communication
Neural Networks: Examining Developments in Deep Learning Algorithms

Leadership Case Study Topics

Leadership Styles in High-Pressure Situations: Exploring Crisis Management
Adaptive Leadership: Navigating Organizational Change
Strategic Leadership: Dissecting Successful Corporate Transformations
Servant Leadership: Examining Success in Nonprofit Organizations
Female Leadership: Comparing Performance in Male-Dominated Industries
Transformational Leadership: Fostering Innovation in Tech Startups
Cultural Differences in Leadership: Comparing Eastern and Western Approaches
Military Leadership Principles: Their Application in Corporate Environments
Charismatic Leadership: An Analysis of Its Effectiveness in Politics
Ethical Leadership: Maintaining Integrity in Corporate Governance
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: A Study on Employee Satisfaction
Transactional Leadership: Assessing Its Effectiveness in Structured Environments
Leadership Burnout: Proactive Strategies for Prevention
Silicon Valley Leadership: Unique Strategies in Tech Companies
Remote Leadership: Overcoming Challenges in Virtual Teams
Authoritarian Leadership: Its Success and Failure in Different Contexts
Leadership in Academia: Strategies for Fostering Research and Collaboration
Inclusive Leadership: Its Influence on Diversity and Team Performance
Green Leadership: Promoting Sustainable Practices in Organizations
AI Leadership: The Future of Decision-Making in Automated Workplaces

Legal Case Study Topics

Enron Scandal: Uncovering Corporate Fraud and Legal Implications
Facebook and Cambridge Analytica: Privacy Law Examination
Microsoft Anti-Trust Case: Exploring Legal Arguments and Outcomes
Volkswagen Emission Scandal: A Study in Environmental Law
Google’s GDPR Violations: Navigating Data Protection Legislation
Uber: An Analysis of Legal Challenges in the Gig Economy
BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster: Environmental and Corporate Law Scrutiny
Pfizer: Understanding Intellectual Property Rights in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Tesla’s Autopilot System: Exploring Liability in AI-Assisted Vehicles
Apple vs. FBI: A Case Study in Privacy and Security Laws
Juul Labs: Regulatory and Legal Challenges in the Vaping Industry
HSBC Money Laundering Scandal: Unpacking International Banking Laws
Purdue Pharma: Analyzing Legal Responses to the Opioid Crisis
Disney’s Acquisition of Fox: A Study in Anti-Trust Laws
Johnson & Johnson’s Talcum Powder Cases: Personal Injury Law Scrutiny
Theranos: Fraud and Deception in the Biotech Industry
Harvey Weinstein and #MeToo: Examining Legal Issues of Sexual Harassment
The Panama Papers: Investigating Offshore Tax Evasion
Foxconn’s Labor Practices: An Analysis of International Labor Law Compliance
SpaceX Starlink Project: Exploring Space Law and Satellite Internet Services
Decoding International Trade Laws: A Study on Brexit Consequences
Privacy Rights in the Digital Era: Examining EU’s General Data Protection Regulation
Cyber Law Enforcement: Challenges in Tackling Darknet Crimes
Trademark Infringement in the Fashion Industry: A Closer Look at Notable Cases
Corporate Law: Analysis of Mega-Mergers and Their Legal Implications
Sentencing Discrepancies in Criminal Law: Factors Influencing Judicial Decisions
Landmark Cases in Environmental Law: Interpretation and Outcomes
Healthcare Law: Dissecting the Legal Framework of the Affordable Care Act
Class Action Suits: Understanding the Legal Dynamics of Collective Claims
International Humanitarian Law: Examining War Crimes Tribunal Verdicts
Intellectual Property Rights in Biotechnology: Case Studies in Patent Law
Constitutional Law: Analysis of Landmark Supreme Court Decisions
Media Law: Defamation Cases in the Spotlight
Exploring the Legal Aspects of Cryptocurrencies: Case Studies
Immigration Law: Case Studies on Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Sports Law: Navigating Legal Issues in Professional Sports
Family Law: Divorce and Custody Cases in Different Cultural Contexts
White Collar Crime: Financial Fraud Cases and Legal Outcomes
Estate Law: Notable Inheritance Disputes Among Celebrities
Criminal Law: Examining Cases of Wrongful Conviction and Their Aftermath

Management Case Study Topics

Management Practices in Multinational Corporations: An Analysis of Samsung
Crisis Management Strategies: A Study on COVID-19 Response by Tech Giants
Analysis of Supply Chain Management: Amazon’s Success Story
Leadership Styles and Organizational Culture: A Case Study of Google
Change Management: Exploring Nokia’s Strategic Shift From Mobile Phones to Networks
Innovation Management: Dissecting Apple’s Approach to New Product Development
The Efficiency of Project Management: Scrutinizing NASA’s Mars Rover Missions
Human Resources Management: A Deep Dive Into Netflix’s HR Policies
Quality Management in the Automobile Industry: A Look at Toyota’s Lean Production
Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives: An Analysis of Starbucks
Cross-Cultural Management: Evaluating IKEA’s Global Expansion
Strategic Management and Business Development: Unpacking Tesla’s Growth Strategy
Risk Management: Evaluating Financial Institutions in the 2008 Economic Crisis
Knowledge Management: An Investigation Into Microsoft’s Information-Sharing Policies
Nonprofit Management: Assessing the Operational Strategies of Red Cross
Entrepreneurial Management: Unraveling the Success of Airbnb
Public Sector Management: Understanding the US Postal Service’s Challenges
Sustainability Management: An Examination of Patagonia’s Environmental Initiatives
Ethics Management: Scrutinizing the Volkswagen Emission Scandal
Diversity Management: A Look Into Twitter’s Inclusion Efforts

Marketing Case Study Topics

Digital Marketing Strategies: An Analysis of Netflix’s Success
Content Marketing and Audience Engagement: A Study on Buzzfeed
Green Marketing and Consumer Perception: A Case of Patagonia
Branding Strategy: Unraveling Apple’s Image Maintenance Tactics
Crisis Communication: A Study on Johnson & Johnson’s Tylenol Scandal
Niche Marketing: Unpacking Supreme’s Limited Release Approach
Integrated Marketing Communication: A Look at Coca-Cola’s Global Campaigns
Customer Retention Strategies: An Examination of Amazon Prime
Social Media Marketing: Dissecting Wendy’s Twitter Engagement
Neuromarketing Techniques: Scrutinizing Spotify’s User Experience
Cause Marketing: Evaluating Dove’s Real Beauty Campaign
Experiential Marketing: Exploring the Popularity of Red Bull’s Extreme Events
Celebrity Endorsement: The Success of Michael Jordan and Nike Collaboration
Influencer Marketing: A Study on Fashion Nova’s Instagram Strategy
Viral Marketing: Unraveling the Ice Bucket Challenge Phenomenon
Affiliate Marketing: An Analysis of Amazon Associates Program
Mobile Marketing: A Look at Starbucks’ App Strategy
Database Marketing: Evaluating Netflix’s Recommendation Algorithm
Sports Marketing: The Global Appeal of the FIFA World Cup
Relationship Marketing: An Examination of Southwest Airlines’ Customer Service Approach

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Case Study Topic Ideas

Strategic Decisions: Dissecting Airbnb’s Expansion Into Experiences
Balancing Profitability and Sustainability: An Examination of Tesla’s Business Model
Leadership Style: Analyzing Satya Nadella’s Transformation of Microsoft
Customer Acquisition: Evaluating Uber’s Expansion Into Emerging Markets
Competitive Advantage: The Secrets of Samsung’s Innovation Strategy
Mergers and Acquisitions: Unpacking the Disney-Fox Deal
Franchise Management: A Look at McDonald’s Global Operations
Supply Chain Management: The Success of Zara’s Fast Fashion Model
Crisis Management: A Study on BP’s Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response
Corporate Social Responsibility: Analysis of Patagonia’s Mission-Driven Approach
Negotiation Strategies: An Examination of the NBA Players Association
Organizational Culture: Exploring Google’s Employee-Centric Approach
Product Development: The Pioneering Approach of Dyson
Strategic Alliance: The Boeing and Airbus Duopoly in the Aviation Industry
Market Entry Strategy: Understanding Spotify’s Approach in India
Corporate Restructuring: The Story of IBM’s Shift to Cloud Computing
Cross-Cultural Management: A Study on Unilever’s Approach in Different Regions
Change Management: An Analysis of BlackBerry’s Failed Attempt to Adapt
Diversity and Inclusion: An Examination of Goldman Sachs’ Gender Equity Policies

Nursing Case Study Subjects

Comprehensive Patient Care: Understanding Palliative Nursing Strategies
Clinical Decisions: Exploring Error Reduction in Emergency Nursing
Telemedicine Adaptations: The Shift in Home Health Nursing During Pandemics
Cross-Cultural Competency: A Look at Nursing in Multicultural Settings
Innovations in Care: Examining the Rise of Robotics in Elderly Nursing
Ethics in Practice: End-of-Life Decision-Making in ICU Nursing
Occupational Stress: An Analysis of Burnout in Pediatric Nursing
Holistic Healing: Integrating Alternative Medicine in Oncology Nursing
Improving Care Delivery: The Implementation of AI in Surgical Nursing
Patient Safety: Addressing Medication Errors in Hospital Nursing
Community Engagement: A Study on Public Health Nursing Initiatives
Wellness Promotion: Evaluating the Effectiveness of School Nursing Programs
Mental Health Focus: A Look at the Practice of Psychiatric Nursing
Pedagogical Methods: Examining Simulation in Nursing Education
Digital Health Records: The Change in Informatics Nursing
Patient Advocacy: A Study on the Role of Forensic Nursing
Pain Management: Approaches in Palliative Care Nursing
Quality Control: The Adoption of Six Sigma in Nursing Administration
Health Literacy: Examining the Role of Nursing in Patient Education
Preventive Care: A Look at the Practice of Occupational Health Nursing

Political Science Case Study Topics

Understanding Post-Conflict Reconciliation: A Study on Rwanda’s Gacaca Courts
Dissecting Populism: Brazil Under Bolsonaro’s Administration
Post-Soviet Transformation: Case of Estonia’s Digital Revolution
Ideological Shifts: Analyzing Japan’s Pacifism Reconsideration
Colonial Legacies: Democratic Stability in Botswana
Investigating Hybrid Regimes: The Case of Putin’s Russia
European Integration: Brexit and Its Consequences
Dealing With Divided Societies: The Case of Cyprus
Political Economy of Oil: Venezuela’s Economic Crisis
Emerging Democracies: Tunisia after the Arab Spring
Rise of Authoritarianism: Hungary’s Political Landscape
Federalism and Ethnic Conflict: The Case of Ethiopia
Transition to Democracy: South Africa’s Post-Apartheid Experience
Climate Change Politics: Examining the Paris Agreement’s Effectiveness
Global Governance: The World Health Organization’s Response to COVID-19
Political Islam: Iran’s Theocratic Regime
Nationalism and Secession: The Case of Catalonia in Spain
Understanding Neopatrimonialism: The Case of Mobutu’s Zaire
Media Influence on Politics: The Case of Trump’s America
Challenges to Democracy: Polarization in Turkey Under Erdogan’s Rule

Psychology Case Study Topics

Understanding Sibling Rivalry: A Cognitive-Behavioral Analysis
Influence of Colors on Mood: An Empirical Assessment
Analyzing Dreams: Insights From Freud’s Psychoanalysis
Effects of Workplace Stress on Mental Health
Social Isolation and Its Effect on Elderly Depression
Exploring the Psychology of Fear: Phobia Case Studies
Influence of Digital Media on Adolescent Behavior
Mindfulness and Anxiety: Clinical Applications
Abnormal Psychology: Examining Dissociative Identity Disorder
Addiction and Behavior: A Focus on Gambling
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Military Veterans
Exploring Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults
Child Development: Piaget’s Cognitive Stages Revisited
Attachment Theory: Secure and Insecure Patterns in Adults
Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Effectiveness
Analysis of Eating Disorders: Anorexia and Bulimia
Gender Dysphoria: Psychological Perspectives and Approaches
Mental Health and Spirituality: Therapeutic Implications
Investigating Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Clinical Approaches

Public Health Case Study Topics

Healthcare Accessibility in Rural Communities
Smoking Cessation Programs: Evaluating Effectiveness
Public Health Response to Opioid Crisis
Pandemic Preparedness: Lessons From COVID-19
Mental Health Services: Barriers to Access
Addressing Health Disparities in Ethnic Minorities
Childhood Obesity: Prevention Strategies
Assessing the Effectiveness of Vaccination Campaigns
Health Literacy: Improving Patient Communication
Global Efforts to Combat Malaria
Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases: A Study
Adolescent Mental Health: School-Based Interventions
Alcohol Abuse: Community Prevention Programs
Workplace Wellness Programs: Analysis of Benefits
Climate Change and Emerging Infectious Diseases
Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: Preventative Approaches
HIV/AIDS Prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa
Access to Clean Water: A Study on Developing Countries
Domestic Violence: Public Health Interventions
Dementia Care: Public Health Strategies

Social Media Marketing (SMM) Case Study Topics

Social Media Crisis Management: Brand Preservation Strategies
Conversion Optimization in Instagram Marketing
Influencer Marketing: Assessing ROI
Snapchat and Its Potency for Gen Z Marketing
Content Strategy for LinkedIn B2B Marketing
Understanding Facebook’s Algorithm for Business Growth
Engagement Optimization in Twitter Marketing
TikTok Advertising: Analysis of Virality Factors
Social Media Analytics: Insights Extraction
Video Content in SMM: YouTube as a Case Study
Podcast Promotion Through Social Media: An Evaluation
Community Building on Social Platforms: Instagram vs. Facebook
Pinterest as a Visual Search Engine for E-Commerce
Ephemeral Content Strategy: Snapchat and Instagram Stories
Brand Personification on Social Media Platforms
Geo-Targeting in Social Media Advertising: Efficacy Analysis
Trust Building through Transparency on Social Media
Multilingual Social Media Strategies: Global Brands Analysis
User-Generated Content in Brand Promotion: Effective Practices
AI Tools in Social Media Marketing: Sentiment Analysis Case Study

Sociology Case Study Topics

Social Stratification: Case of Silicon Valley
Cyber Communities and Virtual Interaction: A Study
Religion in Public Schools: Tolerance vs. Indoctrination
Societal Perception of Mental Health: An Analysis
Affordable Housing and Social Inequality: A Study
Community Revitalization in Post-Industrial Cities
Ethnicity and Identity Politics: Case Study
Gentrification and Its Socio-Economic Consequences
Pop Culture Influence on Youth Identity Formation
Rural vs. Urban Education: Comparative Study
Police Brutality and Systemic Racism: Case Analysis
Disaster Management and Social Structures: A Study
Gender Inequality in Corporate Leadership
Online Dating and Changes in Social Interaction
Homelessness and Social Stigmatization: A Case Study
Demographic Transition in Aging Societies
Social Media and the Shaping of Political Views
Mental Illness and Criminal Justice System: An Analysis
Body Image and Media Influence: Case Study

Supply Chain Management Case Study Topics

Toyota’s Production System: Streamlining Supply Chain Management
Zara’s Rapid Response: Decoding Fast-Fashion Supply Chain
Supply Chain Restructuring in Boeing: A Deeper Look
Walmart’s Inventory Management: Exploring Supply Chain Efficiency
Risk Mitigation in Apple’s Global Supply Chain
Starbucks: An Examination of Ethical Supply Chain Management
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Class 12 Political Science Case Study Questions

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CBSE class 12 Political Science Case Study Questions will have one passage and 4-5 MCQs based on that passage. CBSE may give analytical paragraphs with data, charts, tables and infographics too. You can find such case study questions in CBSE model question papers. You can also download CBSE class 12 Political Science Case Study Questions from the myCBSEguide App .

Why Political Science?

Political science is the study of political behaviour, systems, and politics, as well as their analysis, description, and prediction. Students who choose Political Science in senior high school are exposed to a variety of topics in the discipline, allowing them to become global citizens and build abilities in understanding, applying, and evaluating them.

The goals of the educational program planned by the CBSE for Class 12 students expect to empower students to be know all about a portion of the critical political events and figures in the post freedom period, foster abilities of political examination through events and processes of ongoing history, empower the students to extend their viewpoint past India and get a handle on the political guide of the contemporary world.

Students are exposed to diverse streams of political science through the various courses. Class 12 Political Science is divided into two parts:

PART A: Contemporary World Politics
PART B: Politics in India since Independence

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has presented a couple of changes in the question paper pattern. This year Class 12 students have to solve questions based on the case study. The case studies in class 12 Political Science will carry 4-5 marks. As per the new pattern of examination, CBSE will ask only objective questions in these case study questions.

The Case Study Passages

According to Sanyam Bhardwaj (controller of examinations, CBSE), the student will solve a full passage on which analytical questions will be addressed. Before answering the questions, students must thoroughly read the passage. Meanwhile, the board is preparing to incorporate more such questions in the coming years, according to Bhardwaj.

The Case Study Questions

As discussed, CBSE will ask mostly MCQs in class 12 Political Science. You will get 4-5 questions in each passage. The question text will have four options to choose from. Out of these four options, only one option is correct. Students will get one mark each for the correct response.

Case Study Questions means Critical Thinking

Class 12 Case Study is an excellent approach to improving students’ exam results. The reason for this is that case study questions are often descriptive, which makes it easier to obtain more information. Students are graded on many levels of ability while studying for the board exams, such as writing, reading, and so on. One of the types of questions that can be used to evaluate critical thinking is case study questions. The inclusion of such questions in the curriculum is intended to emphasize the development of problem-solving skills as well as the capacity to apply skills in real situations.

Score Good Marks with Case Studies

If you attempt them with an attentive and alert mind, the case study questions can be the highest scoring part of the paper. These are usually application-based questions that relate to the principles presented in the textbook. The plot of the question is based on a situation that people face on a daily basis.

Case Study Question Examples

CBSE is preparing a question bank on case studies for all major subjects. You can get it on CBSE official website . We are providing hundreds of case study questions for class 12 Political Science in the myCBSEguide App and Student Dashboard .

Case study 1

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: The Cold War threatened to divide the world into two alliances. Under these circumstances, many of the newly independent countries, after gaining their independence from the colonial powers such as Britain and France, were worried that they would lose their freedom as soon as they gained formal independence. Cracks and splits within the western and eastern alliances were quick to appear headed by the USA and the USSR respectively. Communist China quarreled with the USSR towards the late 1950s, and, in 1969, they fought a brief war over a territorial dispute.

North Korea
Which former superpower headed the eastern alliances?
Which event of the world has threatened to divide the world into two alliances?
Iraq Invasion
Cuban Missile Crisis
Name two countries that had ruled over the third world countries.
Australia and Russia
Britain and France
Russia and the USA
Poland and Belgium

Case Study 2

Study the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

All India 2017 The smaller states in the alliances used the link to the superpowers for their own purposes. They got the promise of protection, weapons and economic aid against their local rivals, mostly regional neighbours with whom they had rivalries. The alliance systems led by the two superpowers, therefore, threatened to divide the entire world into two camps. This division happened first in Europe. Most countries of Western Europe sided with the US and those of Eastern Europe joined the Soviet camp. That is why these were also called the ‘Western’ and the ‘Eastern’ alliances. (i) Name one organization each related to the ‘Western’ and the ‘Eastern’ alliances. (ii) Why were the smaller states interested in joining the super alliances? (iii) How did the ‘alliance system’ threaten to divide the world?

Case Study 3

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: Just before Independence, it was announced by the British that with the end of their rule over India, the paramountcy of the British crown over the Princely States would also lapse. This meant that all these states, as many as 565 in all, would become legally independent. The British government took the view that all these states were free to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent if they so wished. This decision was left not to the people but to the princely rulers of these states. This was a very serious problem and could threaten the very existence of a united India. The problems started very soon. First of all, the ruler of Travancore announced that the state had decided on Independence. The Nizam of Hyderabad made a similar announcement the next day. Rulers like the Nawab of Bhopal were averse to joining the Constituent Assembly.

The ruler of Hyderabad was popularly referred to as _________.
What were not the choices given to the princely states by the British?
Free to join Pakistan
Free to join India
Free to remain independent
All of the above
________ was the largest princely state of India.

Attempting Case Study Questions

Students can answer these questions by reading the passages in question. Students will obtain a clear concept of what the solutions should be by reading the chapter. However, tackling Case-based questions or passage-based questions would be easier if you have a better understanding of the core concepts that can be learned from the NCERT Textbooks.

Guidelines on Case Study Questions

Concentrate on the following guidelines while answering a case study-based question:

First, attentively read the passage, then read the questions that are based on it.
Recognize the question’s demand.
Read the passage and read again the question if you find it difficult or complex.
When you’ve figured out what the question is asking, look over the possibilities and answer the question.

Tips on Case Study Questions

Tips for gaining a better understanding to solve Case Study Questions

Keep yourself informed on current events.
Try to connect the events with their outcomes, as well as the circumstances that led up to them. For example, look into the causes of the Cold War, what happened during it, and how it affected the world.
Engage in debates and discussions with friends/teachers about a variety of topics, and try to comprehend the viewpoints of others.
Download the myCBSEguide App now for better and clear insight, as well as a variety of case study questions and other study resources. It’s also available through our Student Dashboard.

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Case Studies in Political Science Research Paper

View sample Case Studies in Political Science Research Paper. Browse other research paper examples and check the list of political science research paper topics for more inspiration. If you need a research paper written according to all the academic standards, you can always turn to our experienced writers for help. This is how your paper can get an A! Also, chech our custom research proposal writing service for professional assistance. We offer high-quality assignments for reasonable rates.

I. Introduction

Academic writing, editing, proofreading, and problem solving services, get 10% off with 24start discount code, ii. the debate within the discipline, iii. examples of the case study approach, a. u.s. politics, b. comparative politics, c. international relations, iv. conclusion.

The case study method has always been an integral tool in the investigation of social science phenomena, being of particular value when the number of observations, or cases studied, is limited in number, restricting the utility of statistical approaches. However, for some time the individual case study approach had been supplanted by large-N, data-intensive quantitative methods as the preferred technique for empirical studies. More recently, the case study has seen a revival of interest by social scientists as part of a multimethod, holistic approach that includes formal, qualitative, and quantitative methods. Indeed, each major methodological approach plays an important role in the research cycle, with the qualitative application of the case study enlightening the inductive aspect of theory development through the identification of alternate causal explanations, new variables, or complex interactions of variables. Fundamentally, case studies allow one to go beyond often simplistic quantitative analysis and develop contextually rich and in-depth pictures of the phenomena being observed.

By itself, a case study is the history of an event, be it of short or long duration—a civil protest movement, for example, or the evolutionary process from colonial rule toward stable democracy. As such, a case study identifies the expected, predictable aspects of an event, while ideally it also captures additional but less quantifiable detail, such as the cultural context, that potentially asserts a causal role as well. Individual or comparative case studies of specific, individual events, actors, or systems allow the researcher to obtain a depth of knowledge and understanding about the object being studied that large-N quantitative studies fail to provide.

A carefully crafted case study serves several purposes within the research cycle. First, while quantitative studies identify outlying or deviant cases, those well beyond the expected normal distribution, quantitative methods are generally not able to explain the specific reasons for a particular case’s extreme variation from its population mean. The case study, however, not only provides the opportunity to identify likely reasons for these individual deviations but may illuminate previously unidentified causal variables and possible alternate explanations as well. This information potentially leads to the extension of existing theory, if not its revision, and may suggest new theoretical explanations altogether.

Additionally, the case study may be the best, or only, way to study certain phenomena because of the relatively small number of identified cases and a resulting scarcity of data, which restricts the use of quantitative methods. And while much of the earliest criticism of case studies (by social scientists) centered on their application as a mainly historical narrative, the substantive purpose of case study is to understand that history but to do so in a way that allows for the identification of critical actions, structures, or other aspects that contribute to the end result. Being able to examine with scientific rigor phenomena that either do not lend themselves well to quantitative study, or for which only a limited set of objective measures is available, makes such an approach valuable. The role case studies can play in identifying and understanding previously unknown variables and in establishing causal paths and the interdependency of variables, as well as being critical tests of existing theory, makes them not just a complement to quantitative methods but potentially of equal value (Geddes, 1990; Gerring, 2004).

Case studies are by definition qualitative, meaning that the focus of the study is not primarily the systematic manipulation of aggregated points of data, an objective exercise, but rather a study that focuses on the quality of the potential data observed, a much more subjective work. This is not to say that case studies are not objective as well: In reality, for a case study to have any influence, it must identify and measure variables to allow for reliable comparison and to build theory that is testable, replicable, and generalizable. Case study is ultimately a method that falls into two forms: the individual, within case study and the comparative across case study, usually limited to a small number of cases. Both types work to identify causal relationships and enlighten theoretical explanations. Good case study work can be either accumulating (building on previous knowledge) or original (establishing entirely new avenues of research).

Political scientists have had an ongoing discussion about the role of the case study approach in their field. This discussion has focused on the relative value of case study compared with other methods for evaluating and advancing theoretical understanding. Of central concern is the perceived methodological limitation of single and small-N case work within a discipline that favors quantitative methodologies. A tension results between the benefits accrued from this method and its limitations. What value can a unique examination contribute? Are hypotheses and theory valid only if they are testable and generalizable? Within these debates over the fundamental usefulness of deliberative case study work are questions that address both the inherent strengths and weaknesses of such an approach. Scholars have generally fallen into two camps, those who argue for its usefulness and those who contend it has limited utility in a discipline with a strong quantitative emphasis and reliance on scientific method.

Addressing this fundamental question over the potentially ambiguous nature of a case study finding, which alone can neither directly inform nor disprove a generalizable finding, Arend Lijphart (1971) states that because of its singular nature, the case study in and of itself does not directly satisfy the standards of scientific research. He does, however, credit the case study with multiple indirect benefits, making it a valuable component in establishing political science theory. He identifies six types of case studies that fall into roughly two categories: those chosen because the case itself is of interest and that are purely descriptive and those chosen to inform and build theory. The first category encompasses single case studies, which are generally detailed histories of a specific event or result and which, he argues, have value for this history alone. The thorough knowledge of a country gained by such an intensive, rich study provides critical information that others can also benefit from. Additionally, these in-depth analyses not only are a source of data for larger comparative studies but may also identify new variables of interest or suggest potentially new theoretical explanations. Lijphart’s other typologies include those case studies that are chosen specifically for theory-building purposes. They include hypothesis-generating cases in areas in which no established theory exists; theory-confirming and -informing cases, both of which test existing theories; and deviant case analysis, for cases known to have varied from the expectations predicted by theory. This third type of case often reveals additional variables previously unidentified. It may suggest a temporal ordering of variables (path dependency) or identify the sometimes critical interactions of variables. The study of deviant cases may merely suggest refinements to the way variables are operationalized within the study, still an important theoretical contribution. These last three case typologies constitute the core of comparative case study, with their usefulness coming from their deliberate selection as a test to existing theory. While Lijphart identifies certain benefits of the case study approach, his praise is still conditional, and he favors the value of large-N quantitative studies whenever possible.

Harry Eckstein (1975) addresses the utility of case studies by first noting the predominant status held by historiographic work in earlier political science research. His main contention is that this early case study work, at both the micro and the macro level, although insightful in its own right, was perceived to be severely limited in its usefulness for producing generalizable theory, because of its singular focus and the statistical consequence of an N of 1. The prevailing assumption was that what theory-building utility case study work had was inductively drawn from the events studied, and those inferences might or might not represent replicable conclusions. Eckstein questions this assumption and lays out a detailed argument supporting the utility of case study work in all stages of the theory development process, not just the nascent ones. He additionally contends that case studies may actually be most valuable at the theory testing stage. Particularly in the field of comparative politics and when studying complex, potentially unique systems, Eckstein suggests that well-designed case study methods may be the best way of testing hypotheses and cumulating generalizable theories. Indeed, he emphasizes the role of case study in its comparative application and perspective.

Before he makes his argument for the value of case study to theory building, Eckstein (1975) provides valuable definitions of case study by emphasizing the concentrated, yet flexible, aspect of an investigation into a single event or individual. This focused yet not narrowly defined approach allows the investigator to be open to unexpected observations and new conclusions. Eckstein additionally makes the important distinction that the study of one event does not necessarily mean only one measure of the results. Rather, he contends that how an event or thing is studied will dictate its number of observations. Thus, one event can be broken down into numerous observations. For example, “Astudy of six general elections in Britain may be, but need not be, an N = 1 study. It might also be an N = 6 study. It can also be an N = 120,000,000 study” (p. 85). This example illustrates his definition of a case as the single measurement of a pertinent variable observed, so that comparative study is then defined as “simply numerous cases along the same lines, with a view to reporting and interpreting numerous measures on the same variables of different ‘individuals’” (p. 85).

After he provides a useful review of the steps toward the development of theory, first the question or puzzle, followed by the formulation of a hypothesis and then a test, with the cycle likely repeating itself as refinements are made, Eckstein proceeds to describe five distinct varieties of the case study and identifies the particular uses each has. The first of these, the configurative idiographic study, is meant to be a comprehensive study of its target but one that allows for intuitive interpretation of the facts. By definition, idiographic is individualizing rather than nomographic or generalizing. Indeed, Eckstein acknowledges that this type of case study was the predominant type he first alluded to in this work. But he makes the point that the strengths of these types of case studies are their very weakness. Their rich description and often persuasive intuitive interpretations may be individually factual, but they aren’t systematic, which makes generalizable conclusions problematic and substantive theories unlikely.

The disciplined configurative study, a term Eckstein (1975) credits to Sidney Verba, turns this relationship around somewhat; rather than building theories on interpretations, interpretations should be driven by theory. This implies that the details of a case should either confirm or disprove a theory that ought to apply to it. The problem with this approach is, as Eckstein points out, its “discipline.” The strict and usually narrow application to a case of a hypothesized theory should either confirm or deny it. In essence, Eckstein suggests that this approach may be too restrictive. It may also lack the flexibility to accommodate more intricate relationships not already identified or suggested by existing theory. He also worries that interpretation of cases on an existing theory presumes that the theory itself is correct and suggests that existing theory, however valid, may “compel particular case interpretations” (p. 104, italics added) with its emphasis on generalizability at the expense of more individualized findings.

Eckstein’s (1975) third type is heuristic case studies, which are deliberate searches for discovery, often a result of trial and error. These are meant to be creative, stimulating the imagination of the researcher toward new ways of looking at a problem, focusing on broader, more generalizable relationships. This discovery is incremental and is often developed in sequential studies as the new theory is further refined. The reason for heuristic case study is given rather succinctly by Eckstein: Theories do not arise from data alone but rather from the imagination of the researcher, after discerning puzzles and then patterns. Case studies, with their intensive analysis, increase the likelihood that these critical relationships will be found, particularly when they are carefully chosen to advance theory building. One caveat Eckstein offers on heuristic case studies is that they often produce too much—multiple explanations, too many variables, and a resulting complexity of interactions that are not only unwieldy but make generalization impossible.

Case studies are also used to probe the likelihood of proposed theories, a form that Eckstein (1975) calls plausibility probes. These are an intervening step before testing, to determine whether the expense of testing is warranted. Although the usefulness of such a study is limited to this end, and alone it cannot confirm a theory, it can, however, improve the prospects of testing, and for this reason it has value.

A more critical example of case study in theory building is the crucial case study. Eckstein (1975) confronts the dilemma of a single observation and the inability to correctly determine a statistical relationship on the basis of such limited information as a source of potential error for any theory based on it. The inductive fallacy is the error made when one derives a theory from only the observed (gathered) data, without further testing. The critical caveat is that one cannot test a theory with the same data used to originate the theory, and therefore another such example must be found. The crucial case is just such a test of a proposed theory. If all those variables deemed critical to a theory exist, then the results should be as predicted by the theory. Conversely, one can study a case similar in most respects, yet lacking in the hypothesized critical components, as a way of demonstrating that similar results did not result because the causal variable was missing. Although these most likely and least likely case study designs cannot absolutely confirm or deny theory, they are important tests of the likelihood of the theory and the correctness of the causal relationships being proposed.

Eckstein’s (1975) thorough typology and analysis of the case study method methodically crafts an argument for the benefits of case study work. These include the insight made possible by the rigorous, thorough inspection in a carefully crafted case study and its across-discipline utility in identifying new variables and new causal mechanisms leading to the generation of new theory. To accomplish this goal, Eckstein emphasizes that case study selection must be driven by theory, and not by interest or convenience.

Charles Ragin (1987), in The Comparative Method, devotes a chapter to the discussion of case-oriented comparative methods and addresses the likelihood that even the most meticulously performed case study is unlikely to produce definitive explanations. However, identifying critical contextual facts may help determine the causal relationships underlying the observed phenomena. It is important to note that Ragin emphasizes the value that an intensive case study accrues to its researcher. Deep understanding of an event or case in its entirety, rather than merely knowing pieces of information, allows for more contextually rich comparison to other events. This richness can only enhance the reliability of the causal inferences drawn. Such depth of knowledge is likely limited to a small number of cases, and indeed this complexity is a constraint on the case study researcher. Case study is, as Ragin shows, a successful strategy for analyzing complex, multicausal events and at the same time still cohesively connecting them theoretically. He concludes with a nice summation of the strengths of the case study method: Case studies make possible the discovery of patterns of relationships and difference, with all deviations requiring an explanation, necessitating a thorough knowledge of the data. Since case study work does not rely on statistical probabilities such as frequency or distribution, a single case can be critical and can potentially prove or disprove a hypothesis. Case study work is holistic and requires a thorough understanding of the entire event, not just targeted aspects of it, and finally, case study encourages creative new ways of examining behavior and events. Particularly in the identification of complex interactions and the importance of context in understanding their role, Ragin makes the point that case studies provide a methodologically distinct approach.

In Designing Social Inquiry, Gary King, Robert O. Koehane, and Verba (1994) argue that the same level of testable, scientific rigor can be applied to qualitative work that quantitative scholars are able to use in their statistically based work; qualitative work includes, of course, case studies. King et al. focus on research design with an emphasis on the logic of inference, to use the facts that are known to learn about facts as yet unknown. This is then used to identify causal relationships and construct theories that can then be tested. King et al.’s emphasis on the latter stages of research design, producing theory that is testable and thus falsifiable, challenges case study researchers to think rigorously about their work, to recognize the similarities of quantitative and qualitative work with respect to empirical rigor, and to approach their work as such. King et al. argue that the primary way to do this is to see qualitative data more quantitatively, and to accomplish this from a practical standpoint, they advise maximizing the number of observations (from which measures are taken) whenever possible. At the same time, when adding an observation is not possible, they recommend summarizing on the outcome of interest instead, in order to avoid issues of micronumerosity (having more variables than observations). Echoing Eckstein (1975), King et al. remind us that the size of a case study, its N, is often determined by the level of analysis chosen: Is it one single event, several incidents within that event, or many more individual acts? In addition to constructing a design that allows for multiple observations, the authors emphasize the requirement of designing theories that can be falsified (i.e., the null hypothesis can be tested). King et al. also address the importance of reducing the potential bias introduced through case selection. They emphasize the care with which cases must be chosen, as there must be “the possibility of at least some variation on the dependent variable” (p. 129). Other potential sources of selection bias they cite are investigator induced: choosing cases because data are available or because one has a particular interest in or understands the language, or the larger bias that often occurs when case selection is correlated with the dependent variable. In this instance, the process being studied has already been selected for over time, leaving as evidence only its most recent iteration and losing any obvious trace of what may have been critically important in the intervening stages.

Not all scholars implicitly agreed with the arguments made by King et al. (1994), and a lively review symposium in response to it appeared in the journal American Political Science Review. In it, Ronald Rogowski (1995) challenges King et al.’s concern with the testability of single-observation studies and relates three examples of just such single-case studies that do succeed under this limitation. He offers additional examples in response to their admonitions against dependent variable selection bias and comments that without deliberate selection based on a case’s anomaly (its status as a statistical outlier), one of the core benefits of case study work would be lost. Rogowski sums up by emphasizing the importance of not losing the benefits of good qualitative work at the expense of increased quantifiability. In the same symposium, David Collier (1995) also takes issue with how King et al. address selection bias. However, although Collier generally concurs with their position, he argues for a bit more nuance when one is faced with some of the realities of the comparative method. Additionally he identifies the importance of valuing the context of research findings as more important perhaps than their generalizability, and he gently suggests that King et al. could be less rigid in their appraisal of qualitative methods.

Since case study is just that, an intensive examination of at least one item, how cases are selected is a fundamental issue. In comparative case studies, this issue is particularly relevant because small-N studies suggest that there exists more than one unique example of what is being examined and therefore a larger population to choose from. As a result, concerns over potential selection bias contribute prominently in discussions of the case study method. In “How the Cases You Choose Affect the Answers You Get: Selection Bias in Comparative Politics,” Barbara Geddes (1990) addresses this issue by reexamining three prominent comparative studies. She neatly demonstrates how the potential error of case selection on the dependent variable can particularly impact results in small-N studies. Essentially a primer on selection bias, this article outlines the importance not only of identifying the most likely causal reasons some event occurred, but also of examining the counterfactual as well. Geddes makes the point that by not providing a larger sample, selected randomly (rather than on the dependent variable) for testing the proposed relationship between cause and effect, one is really comparing only “the differences among the selected cases” (p. 132). She then shows how such an error can also occur in a path-dependent argument. In both examples, misleading findings resulted from researchers’ not expanding the population from which the targeted cases were drawn. Had they done so, they would have had a larger and likely more random sample to test. Geddes’s final example involves time-series studies and the determination of the appropriate end point of a case study. In this instance, she shows how changing the dates of a study would affect its results drastically, and she also makes the point that historical case studies are especially vulnerable to selection bias based on the time frames chosen for analysis.

The more recent discussion of case study work has focused increasingly on understanding the role of this method as part of a comprehensive research strategy. John Gerring (2004) emphasizes how, by failing to accommodate the bounded aspect of case work, most commonly used definitions for case study are inadequate. He offers the definition of case study as “an intensive study of a single unit for the purpose of understanding a larger class of (similar) units,” with units being “spatially bounded phenomena” (p. 342). This implies the study of a unique event or thing, at one point in time, with the goal of generalizability, which, he argues, provides a more theoretically useful interpretation. Gerring then provides a comprehensive discussion of the methodological ambiguities that occur in case studies and identifies six areas in which case studies are vulnerable. With these as a guide, he outlines the strengths and weaknesses of case (within-unit) study versus across-unit study. He notes that the case study method is more suited to descriptive inferences than to causal ones. It is a method that has a special affinity with intensive, focused studies rather than those that are extensive and broad. Case study is more likely to have high internal validity and weak external validity. It facilitates the defining of causal mechanisms, and not the testing of causal effects, performing better when causal mechanisms are deterministic instead of probabilistic. Finally, case studies are well suited to exploratory research but are limited in their uses for confirming hypotheses, yet they are preferred when across-case studies cannot provide adequate variance for the relationship being studied. With this enhanced clarity, and by situating case studies not apart from but as a complement to noncase methods, Gerring suggests that case study methods should be accepted as an equally worthy methodological approach by the entire discipline and that rather than favoring one method over another (often exclusively), scholars should use the method most suited to their question, their data, and their theory.

With Alexander George and Andrew Bennett’s (2005) Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences, the debate within the discipline over case studies is brought up to date. Both authors have been longtime advocates of case study methods, and this latest work is a very thorough argument for the value of case study methods as part of a research strategy that includes both quantitative and qualitative methods as well as formal theory (Bennett, 2004, offers a chapter-length article distilled from this material, as well). George and Bennett disagree with King et al.’s (1994) contention that there can be only one “logic of Inference” (p. 11). George and Bennett discuss the relationship between case studies and the systematic building of theory. They compare the strengths and weaknesses of case studies and first identify four strengths, all areas in which statistical methods tend to be weak. These include concept validity, the potential for discovering new causal variables and deriving new hypotheses, a better understanding of the relationship between causal variables and possible path dependency, and the ability to identify or model the complex interactions of these variables. Weaknesses of case studies include the potential for introducing selection bias from the cases chosen and the inability to accurately measure the relative strength of an effect. Also, because of their single or very small number, case studies are relatively unique and not necessarily representative; cases chosen from a small pool may not necessarily be independent of one another, and they do not have a rich number of observations from which to judge the strength of associations between variables. George and Bennett advocate the use of the structured, focused comparison, which allows for the collection of data that can be systematically compared with other cases as well as accumulated. In this way, scientific rigor is added, and the utility of case methods is likely increased. The authors then outline the method of case study, from designing the research to executing the study and to drawing conclusions from the findings. In all steps, the role of theory is predominant: It drives the design and motivates the findings. In addition to being the definitive authority on case methods, George and Bennett present a compelling argument for using multiple methodological approaches in a research program. Not only do they show how qualitative and quantitative methods complement each other; they integrate formal modeling as well. This approach is gaining momentum in political science today, making a qualitative skill set not merely useful but necessary.

In the field of U.S. politics, the classic example of a grounded, participant observer case study must be Alexis de Tocqueville’s (1835/2004) Democracy in America. Although most modern scholars of U.S. politics solve their N of 1 problem by focusing on the subunits of U.S. government, using states or administrations, court terms or congressional voting records as their unit of analysis, Tocqueville analyzed the United States as a single entity. He drew his conclusion, that it is citizens’ affinity for joining in and participating at all levels of civic life that strengthens democracy and enables it to flourish, from his personal observations as he extensively toured the country in the early 1800s. A more modern work in U.S. politics that is rooted in qualitative case study work is Richard Fenno’s (1978) examination of congressional members, Home Style: House Members in Their Districts, in which he used extensive interviews and considerable time observing congressmen, both in Washington, D.C., and, critically, in their districts. This self-styled “soaking and poking” enabled a comprehensive, in-depth observation that allowed Fenno to identify the paradox of individual representatives’ being very well-liked by their constituents at the same time as the institution of Congress is collectively viewed much more critically, and he explains much of the paradox by the personal relationships developed through district service. David Mayhew’s (1974) Congress: The Electoral Connection also looks at the relationship between members of Congress and their constituents and is another example of a work based on inductive reasoning rooted in extensive in-depth participant observation. Mayhew finds that it is the incentive for reelection that motivates the individual behavior of both congressmen and the Congress. Through committee assignments, leadership positions, and vote trading (among other means), congressmen ensure their reelection chances. Mayhew suggests that with Congress motivated as a whole by mutual self-interest, it is no surprise that the structural arrangements of Congress, its organization of the leadership and committee system, have evolved to facilitate this behavior.

The case study method is used most extensively in the subfield of comparative politics. Using primarily small-N research designs, many significant works have been produced. Included among these is Barrington Moore’s (1966) Social Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy: Lord and Peasant in the Making of the Modern World. Moore examines five societies to compare their experiences with modernization and the economic revolution that ensues. He concludes that there are three likely outcomes, dependent on the country’s social structure, and these in turn predict the likelihood of a successful transition to democracy or descent into dictatorship. The most well-known example of an intensive single-country case study must be Robert Putnam’s (1993) Making Democracy Work: Civic Traditions in Modern Italy, also an excellent example of historiographic work. The subject of lively debate within the discipline, social capital, that is, the extent to which citizens are participatory and invested in their communities as a result of their civic relationships, was found by Putnam to be a necessary component of a successful democratic society. Putnam argues that the associational experience of northern and central Italy developed interpersonal trust and fostered more democratic local governments, but the lack of similar groups in the south left them with less. Another such single-case work is Robert Bates’s (1989) Beyond the Miracle of the Market: The Political Economy of Agrarian Development in Kenya. This work, which focuses on the intersection between land use, government institutions, and public policies, relies on a critical understanding of the economic, political, and cultural forces at work in Kenyan society. The complex interplay of economics and politics that Bates studies is only fully appreciated when the cultural context is included; the influence of tribal affiliations and Kenya’s British colonial legacy are just two examples. These kinds of rich, multilayered observations and intimate knowledge of a society can be accomplished only with case study methods, with which Bates combines quantitative rigor as well.

International relations scholars have also extensively used the case study method to selectively examine the actions of elite actors and organizations during critical events. Case study work is used to evaluate existing theory as well as propose alternate explanations to better understand the often complex motivations of and among nation-states. In Essence of Decision: Explaining the Cuban Missile Crisis, Graham T. Allison (1971) examines the Cuban missile crisis and, primarily through interviews, reconstructs the often conflicted decision-making process of all the major participants. To do this, he approaches the same event from the perspective of three different decisional- behavior models. These competing approaches are collectively used to illustrate the author’s thesis: that despite internal pressures to the contrary, it was the actions and the decisions of the two leaders that successfully resolved the issue. Alexander George and Richard Smoke’s (1974) Deterrence in American Foreign Policy is an example of a focused-comparison case study that examines 11 instances of the failure of U.S. deterrence policy. George and Smoke use process tracing to establish the causal explanation, which would not be possible without the depth of knowledge acquired in these case histories. In doing so, they critique existing theory and are able to offer a new, more dynamic, explanation. In another example of a focused-comparison study, Stephen M. Walt (1987), in The Origins of Alliances, looks at alliance formation and contrasts two distinct types: those made for mutual support to defend against a threat and those that are more opportunistic (or perhaps pragmatic), in which one aligns with the threat itself. Walt then explores the likely causes of these choices, looking specifically at shared ideology and the influences of foreign aid. His concentrated case study of states in the Middle East during a single period allows him to develop the depth of knowledge necessary for such a study, in which data alone would be inadequate.

As the previous examples illustrate, case study work is applicable to a broad range of theoretical questions. Indeed, for many situations, a case study examination is the only way to rigorously examine an event. Case study can be used in either half of the research cycle: to deductively test the hypothesized research question or to inductively explore the results of empirical observations. It is also a valuable method for developing original theoretical insight, which can often form the basis of a research design using more statistically robust methods. Case study in and of itself serves a vital informative purpose as well, allowing in-depth appreciation of often nuanced yet critical conditions of the larger phenomenon being observed. Finally, the case study is increasingly being appreciated as a necessary component of comprehensive political science research today: Together with traditional quantitative methods that provide reliable statistical probabilities for a tightly focused view, and formal theory methods that produce more soft-focused or abstract explanations, case study work provides a necessary contribution by filling in the gaps, compensating for the inevitable shortcomings when formal and quantitative methods are applied to real-life questions and problems. Most critically, a well-crafted case study gives the researcher a level of knowledge and understanding of the matter being examined that no other method allows. This benefit alone justifies the application of case study methods to social science research today and in the future.

Bibliography:

Allison, G. T. (1971). Essence of decision: Explaining the Cuban missile crisis. Boston: Little, Brown.
Bates, R. (1989). Beyond the miracle of the market: The political economy of agrarian development in Kenya. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Bennett, A. (2004). Case study methods: Design, use and comparative advantages. In D. F. Sprinz & Y. Wolinsky Nahmias (Eds.), Models, numbers and cases: Methods for studying international relations (pp. 19-55). Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.
Collier, D. (1995). Review: Translating quantitative methods for qualitative researchers: The case of selection bias. American Political Science Review, 89, 461-466.
Collier, D., & Mahoney, J. (1996). Insights and pitfalls: Selection bias in qualitative research. World Politics, 49, 56-91.
Eckstein, H. (1975). Case study and theory in political science. In F. Greenstein & N. Polsby (Eds.), Handbook of political science: Vol. 7. Strategies of inquiry (pp. 79-137). Reading, MA: Addison Wesley.
Fenno, R. (1978). Home style: House members in their districts. Boston: Little, Brown.
Geddes, B. (1990). How the cases you choose affect the answers you get: Selection bias in comparative politics. Political Analysis, 2, 131-150.
George, A. L., & Bennett, A. (2005). Case studies and theory development in the social sciences. Cambridge: MIT Press.
George, A. L., & Smoke, R. (1974). Deterrence in American foreign policy: Theory and practice. New York: Columbia University Press.
Gerring, J. (2004). What is a case study and what is it good for? American Political Science Review, 98, 341-354.
King, G., Koehane, R. O., & Verba, S. (1994). Designing social inquiry: Scientific inference in qualitative research. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
Lijphart, A. (1971). Comparative politics and the comparative method. American Political Science Review, 65(3), 682-693.
Mayhew, D. R. (1974). Congress: The electoral connection. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.
Moore, B., Jr. (1966). Social origins of dictatorship and democracy: Lord and peasant in the making of the modern world. Boston: Beacon Press.
Putnam, R. (1993). Making democracy work: Civic traditions in modern Italy. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
Ragin, C. C. (1987). The comparative method: Moving beyond qualitative and quantitative strategies. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Rogowski, R. (1995). Review: The role of theory and anomaly in social scientific inference. American Political Science Review, 89, 467-470.
Tocqueville, A. de. (2004). Democracy in America. New York: Library of America. (Original work published 1835)
Walt, S. M. (1987). The origins of alliances. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.

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Welcome to the Department of Political Science of Case Western Reserve University.

Please note that most of our courses do not have prerequisites. They are open to all CWRU undergraduates, including transfer and first-year students. And remember, during the first two weeks of classes, students may drop and add courses without penalty. We encourage you to follow your interests and try out our courses – many of which fulfill old GER and new UGER requirements.

It’s hard to think of a better time to be studying politics. Our courses explore political behavior, institutions of government, elections, international relations, political economy, policymaking, protest and revolution, among other topics. They cover politics of the United States and other countries and of regional and global interactions, and our faculty introduce students to a range of methods and approaches that include elite interviewing, survey research, field and archival investigation, game theory, small-n comparison, statistical analysis, and AI-driven techniques.

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The Department of Political Science presents four talks on the politics of China

The Zeal of the Outgroup: Loyalty Signaling and the Variation in Bureaucratic Compliance in Modern China Wednesday, March 20, 9:15 - 10:30 a.m., Mather House 100 Juan Qian, Instructor of Political Science, The University of Chicago Why are certain bureaucrats in China more enthusiastic than others in executing tasks assigned by the...

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Department of Political Science
Careers Colloquium 2023. Thank you to Cameron Macaskill (CWRU 2017) and Emma Halfin (CWRU 2022) who spoke with our students at our Careers Colloquium this year. Learn More. Email: [email protected]. Phone: 216.368.2424. Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Scout is on a hybrid work schedule as follows: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday: On ...

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