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121 International Politics Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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International politics is a complex and dynamic field that encompasses a wide range of issues and challenges. From diplomacy and conflict resolution to trade agreements and global governance, there are countless topics that can be explored and analyzed in the study of international politics. If you are looking for inspiration for your next essay on international politics, here are 121 topic ideas and examples to get you started:

• The impact of globalization on international politics
• The role of international organizations in promoting peace and security
• The influence of power politics in shaping international relations
• The rise of non-state actors in international politics
• The challenges of human rights in international politics
• The role of diplomacy in conflict resolution
• The impact of economic interdependence on international relations
• The role of technology in shaping international politics
• The challenges of climate change in international politics
• The impact of nationalism on international relations
• The role of international law in regulating state behavior
• The challenges of terrorism in international politics
• The role of media in shaping public opinion on international issues
• The impact of migration on international politics
• The role of gender in international politics
• The challenges of nuclear proliferation in international relations
• The impact of colonialism on contemporary international politics
• The role of ideology in shaping state behavior
• The challenges of humanitarian intervention in international politics
• The impact of globalization on state sovereignty
• The role of economic sanctions in international relations
• The challenges of cybersecurity in international politics
• The impact of populism on international relations
• The role of soft power in shaping state behavior
• The challenges of political corruption in international politics
• The impact of nationalism on trade agreements
• The role of international aid in promoting development
• The challenges of resource scarcity in international relations
• The impact of human rights violations on state sovereignty
• The role of religion in shaping state behavior
• The challenges of regional integration in international politics
• The impact of climate change on migration patterns
• The role of international trade agreements in promoting economic growth
• The challenges of refugee crises in international politics
• The impact of cyber warfare on state security
• The role of social media in shaping public opinion on international issues
• The challenges of arms control in international politics
• The impact of globalization on cultural identity
• The role of international organizations in promoting environmental sustainability
• The challenges of political polarization in international relations
• The impact of human trafficking on state security
• The role of international diplomacy in conflict prevention
• The challenges of state-sponsored terrorism in international politics
• The impact of nationalism on global governance
• The role of international law in regulating armed conflict
• The challenges of territorial disputes in international relations
• The impact of populism on international cooperation
• The role of economic inequality in shaping state behavior
• The challenges of political instability in international politics
• The impact of cyber espionage on state security
• The role of international trade agreements in promoting labor rights
• The challenges of water scarcity in international relations
• The impact of human rights violations on state legitimacy
• The role of religion in shaping international conflict
• The challenges of international arms sales in promoting peace
• The impact of globalization on cultural diplomacy
• The role of international organizations in promoting human rights
• The challenges of ethnic conflict in international politics

These topic ideas and examples are just a starting point for your exploration of international politics. Whether you are interested in diplomacy, conflict resolution, trade agreements, or global governance, there are countless issues and challenges to explore in the study of international politics. Happy writing!

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56 International Politics Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on international politics, 🎓 most interesting international politics research titles, 💡 simple international politics essay ideas.

• Dependency Theory in International Political Economy
• Issues in the International Politics: Globalization
• Waltz and Machiavelli Thoughts on International Relation and Politics
• The Psychology of International Politics
• Idealism versus Realism in International Politics
• Politics of the Global Economy International Relations
• Global Politics: International Cooperation
• Ideal Theory of International Political Economy
• African Independence: International Politics Analysis
• International Politics. A More Secure World
• Honeywell International Political Action Committee
• Asian International Politics and Military Conflicts
• Hegemonic Stability Theory and International Political Economy
• The Political Economy of International Trade
• Daniel Drezner’ Theories of International Politics
• Navigating Political Risks in Fiji’s International Business Environment
• The Role of the United Nations in Maintaining Global Peace and Security
• Analysis of Globalization on International Politics
• The Influence of Superpowers on International Politics
• Concept of Diplomacy in Conflict Resolution
• International Trade Agreements and International Politics
• The Rise of Populism and Its Effects on International Politics
• Comparing International Organizations in Addressing Global Challenges
• The Impact of the European Union on International Politics Dynamics
• The Politics of Climate Change: International Cooperation and Conflict
• Aspect of International Law in Governing State Behavior
• The Influence of Multinational Corporations on International Politics
• Work of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Global Governance
• Analyzing of Cybersecurity Threats on International Politics
• The Politics of Human Rights in International Affairs
• Balancing Sanctions in International Politics
• Concussion of Regional Conflicts on Global Stability
• The Influence of Religion on International Politics
• The Act of International Media in Shaping Global Public Opinion
• Overview of Refugee Crisis on International Relations
• Connection of International Financial Institutions and International Politics
• The Politics of Nuclear Proliferation and Disarmament
• The Impact of International Migration on International Politics
• The Role of International Environmental Agreements in International Politics
• The Influence of Cultural Diplomacy on International Relations
• Context of Intelligence Agencies in International Politics
• The Politics of Foreign Aid: Power and Influence in Global Development
• Repercussion of Terrorism on International Politics
• Consequences of Regional Organizations in International Politics
• Effect of Technology on International Politics Dynamics
• The Politics of Global Health: International Responses to Pandemics
• Significance of International Courts in Resolving Disputes Between States
• Affect of Colonial History on Contemporary International Politics
• Induce of International Peacekeeping Operations
• Purpose of Ideology on International Politics Alignments
• The Politics of Space Exploration and International Cooperation
• Principle of International Trade Organizations in International Politics
• Problem of Nationalism on International Politics
• The Politics of International Water Disputes
• Understanding the Role of Global Cities in Shaping International Politics
• Causes of Energy Politics on International Relations

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StudyCorgi. (2024, August 21). 56 International Politics Essay Topics. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/international-politics-essay-topics/

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StudyCorgi . "56 International Politics Essay Topics." August 21, 2024. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/international-politics-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2024. "56 International Politics Essay Topics." August 21, 2024. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/international-politics-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on International Politics were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on September 20, 2024 .

Free International Relations Essay Examples & Topics

The modern world is deeply interconnected. The relationships between nation-states, non-governmental organizations, and multinational corporations are quite complex. International relations (or IR for short) are exactly the study of those relationships. They are concerned with issues such as global politics and foreign policy, as well as many others.

To write an international relations essay, you should learn about different theoretical frameworks. These theories help understand the interactions between states, the purpose of policies, the history of international systems, etc. Some of the main types of international relations theories are as follows:

Realism deals with “real life.” It attempts to emphasize the importance of national and international security. The fields that are studied most within this theory are history, political science, and economics.

Constructivism analyzes constructed state identities. It is involved with cultural studies as well as sociology and social policy.

Finally, Marxism is the theory that mainly concerns itself with inequalities and socioeconomic imbalances. It is most critical of the international capitalist system and attempts to deconstruct class struggle and marginalization.

It is easy to see why international relations are important. With such a broad subject matter, it is also easy to get lost. That’s why our experts have compiled several international relations essay topics here. We have also collected useful advice and samples for you to study.

How to Pick an International Relations Essay Topic

An appropriate topic is a fundamental part of a successful international relations essay. Considering the possible ideas, selecting an area that is outside your expertise can be detrimental. Therefore, we have created a guide to making the right choice for your assignment.

To pick the right topic, try these steps:

• Brainstorm ideas.

One of the vital steps in writing any academic work is the first one. Before conducting any research, write down the ideas that are already present in your mind. Maybe you already have a particular area you want to talk about. For example, you can explore feminism or state sovereignty. Rely on what you know best and what interests you most.

• Check credible sources.

Once you have a general idea of what you want to focus on, it is time to find sources. Your best bet is to concentrate on works by established authors in the field of IR (e.g., Alexander Wendt). Of course, you may also rely on websites from well-known organizations. Look for reports and articles online. Check that the information you are acquiring is recent and up to date.

• Make sure your ideas aren’t too broad…

With IR being such a multidisciplinary field, it is easy to get swarmed by thoughts. Just remember that you still have a word limit to follow! Writing an essay on climate change and international relations may be way too extensive of a subject. Instead, focus on something feasible yet related – like the Green Theory.

• … But also not too specific!

At the same time, choosing a topic that is way too narrow could prove a challenge in its own right. You could encounter trouble in trying to find credible sources. You may find yourself at a loss for what to do for your next step. In this case, you might want to change the topic before it’s too late!

• Strive to research.

If you have an idea that is interesting to you, this step will not be a problem. You need to be motivated to find enough valuable sources and write a high-quality essay. It helps to look at authors with differing points of view. This way, you’ll create a compelling argument.

These recommendations should help you write your IR essay. If you still have trouble choosing the right idea, let our topic generator do that for you.

13 International Relations Topics for Essay

Now that you know how to select the perfect topic for your essay, we can begin to do just that. Below you will find a list of 13 international relations essay topics. They will prove helpful in your homework or exam writing practice.

You can use these ideas:

• Green Theory – environmental action in international relations.
• How liberalism in British politics led to Brexit.
• Idealism vs. realism in global diplomacy.
• Technology as the silent factor in international relations.
• Economic reasons for the start of World War II.
• The International Monetary Fund in political economy.
• The end of the Cold War through the perspective of realist theory.
• A brief assessment of the International Law.
• Regulation of international non-governmental organizations.
• The role of soft and hard power in current international relations.
• Modern diplomacy between the governments of Russia and China.
• Feminist theories in the study of international relations.
• A Marxist critique of globalization.

As it stands, this list could go on forever. We hope that we managed to illustrate just how diverse the ideas for an international relations essay could be.

5 International Relations Essay Questions

Even after reading through this step-by-step guide and all the topics, you may still find yourself hesitating. This isn’t surprising. The ideas that must be swirling in your head right now would overwhelm anyone!

Here you will find 5 international relations essay questions that will help direct your workflow:

1. What is the difference between classical realism and neorealism?

Introduce realist theory and outline its evolution. Explain the main ideas behind classical realism and neorealism. What were the reasons for the shift between theories?

2. What is the impact of Brexit on the European Union’s foreign policy?

Explain the concept of Brexit. Evaluate the relationship of the European Union with the UK before Brexit. Using literature, illustrate the difference between the EU foreign policy before and after Brexit.

3. Do multinational corporations exploit developing countries?

Outline what makes a corporation multinational. What makes a country developing? Evaluate the relative harms and benefits of a multinational corporation settling in a developing country. Refer to Marxist theory for that purpose. What do you think can be done to minimize the harm?

4. How useful is the distinction between absolute and comparative advantage?

Summarize the theory behind the terms. Compare and contrast the concepts of absolute and comparative advantage. In your opinion, how important is the difference between the two notions?

5. Is constructivism a valid theory in international relations?

Illustrate the ideas behind constructivism and the evolution of the theory. Contrast constructivism against other well-known frameworks. Justify whether you think it is useful.

We are not underestimating the importance of an international relations essay. It is an extensive and complicated field of study. Despite that fact, we still hope that you managed to find this guide useful! Now proceed to look through some international relations essay examples below.

Thank you for reading!

888 Best Essay Examples on International Relations

Neorealism: kenneth waltz ‘theory of international politics’, comparison between theories: realism vs. liberalism research paper.

• Words: 1895

“Clash of Ignorance” by Edward Said

• Words: 1128

United Nations and World Peace

Difference between weak and strong states by krasner, international peace and united nations essay, peace and conflict resolution: external intervention, neorealism and traditional realism, human safety and all-round personal protection, the israeli – palestinian conflict.

• Words: 2608

International Relations: Realism in the 21st Century

• Words: 2161

Do the Benefits of Globalization Outweigh the Costs?

• Words: 1056

The World’s Superpowers: Current, Former, Future

Nuclear weapons should be abolished.

• Words: 1095

Collective Security

• Words: 2062

Gaza-Israel Conflict: History and Portents

Indian modernization and westernization.

• Words: 3322

Balance of Power Concept in International Relations

• Words: 1352

Supra-state actors

• Words: 2477

The Cold War and the Balance of Power Theory

• Words: 10690

Visa-free Entry to all Countries

Israel palestine conflict.

• Words: 1503

Geopolitics: The Middle East Shatterbelt

Nationalism in international relations.

• Words: 2842

Westphalia and Modern International System

The us-china relations, article summary: “the false promise of international institutions”, theories of international relation. “maria full of grace” film.

• Words: 2213

The Invention of Development

Arab unity and its barriers and obstacles.

• Words: 2494

Power and Interdependence

United nations strengths and weaknesses.

• Words: 2763

US Withdrawal of the Kyoto Protocol: Pros and Cons Analysis

The berlin conference and its results, the ‘periphery’ and the ‘core’ of the world.

• Words: 1105

Does the East Asian “Miracle” Invalidate Dependency Theory

• Words: 3534

Global Food Crisis: Political Economy Perspective

• Words: 1633

A Brief History of the Conflict Between India and Pakistan

• Words: 1241

Global Governance in the Twenty-First Century

• Words: 1146

Criticism of Realism Theory in International System

Ivo andric’s bridge on the drina review, balance vs. imbalance of power international relations, international relations: alliances and anarchy, “who is a refugee” by andrew e. shacknove, waltz’s three fundamental characteristics of the international system, world food program, the truman doctrine.

• Words: 1551

GCC States: International Relations and Realism Theory

• Words: 2263

Australian Foreign Policy

• Words: 1745

Pakistan Versus The USA

• Words: 1139

United States Foreign Policy

• Words: 1043

World Systems Theory by Immanuel Wallerstein

International political economy – world systems analysis.

• Words: 2758

The Vital Role of Diplomacy in International Relations

Pakistan’s inter-service intelligence, united states engagement in the middle east, john mearsheimer: the false promise of international institutions, wto: serving the wealthy, not the poor, maritime piracy, international security, its components and importance, schools of political economy: marxism, liberalism and mercantilism, international security case studies’ analysis.

• Words: 1129

Severe Problem of Congo

An international humanitarian response, functionalist and constructivist approaches to regionalism.

• Words: 1944

The United Nations Millennium Development Goals

• Words: 1432

The International Problem of HIV/AIDS in Modern World

• Words: 1374

How Does the United Nations Maintain International Order?

• Words: 1208

The dispute about the Persian Gulf name

• Words: 1597

How Is Globalization Impacting Citizenship?

• Words: 1995

Large Hadron Collider Analysis

• Words: 2080

Realism and Idealism in International Relations

Operation lemon-aid: united states v. soviet union, the democratic peace theory: merits and demerits.

• Words: 2776

National Interest is more Significant than Ideology in Shaping Foreign Policy

• Words: 4281

Possibilities and Limitations of Creating Civil Society though International Donor Funding

• Words: 2256

Israel and Palestinian Conflict

• Words: 2111

The Third World: Concept and Controversy

• Words: 1131

The UAE National Security: Impact of Growing US-China and US-Russia Tensions

• Words: 1763

The U.S Grand Strategy: Towards a Revitalized World Super Power in the 21st C

“the new silk roads” book by peter frankopan.

• Words: 2070

The Improvement of the Iraqi-Iranian Relations

• Words: 2192

The UAE’s Reaction to Yemeni Political Conflict

The united states stance with north korea and iran on nuclear war.

• Words: 4964

The Genocide of East Timor

• Words: 1018

The Long Years of Fighting with Piracy: Evaluating the Changes

• Words: 1548

The Future of NATO

• Words: 3576

The International Arms Trade

• Words: 2828

History of the Situation in Timor-Leste in 1999

• Words: 1103

Political Sciences: Do States Have to Be Enemies?

• Words: 2559

NATO’S Border with Russia News Story and Maslow Theory

Effect of european post-war instability on us leadership, liberal international order’s existence and future, discussion: definition of a great power, the gulf and the great powers: evolving dynamics. middle east policy analysis, saudi decision to support the mujahideen in afghanistan, international relations: theory, policy, and governance.

• Words: 1830

The United States as a Hegemonic Country

The united nations security council’s challenges, public health amidst porous boarders, discussion of state security enforcement, formulating a future foreign policy for the us, risks and consequences of russia’s suspension, united states military jcets: lithuania, the middle east: the humanitarian disaster in syria, protectionism in the age of globalization, united arab emirates and new zealand cooperation, the 2020 revolution in kyrgyzstan: henry hale’s thesis of patronal politics, u.s. foreign policy after the midterm elections, international relations: atomic bombs and cold war, panama and united states relations, the role of japan in biden’s indo-pacific economic framework.

• Words: 2238

Four Schoolmasters and American Foreign Policy

• Words: 1204

Osama Bin Laden: Assassination vs. Trial

The united arab emirates: emergence as the global soft power.

• Words: 2408

Historical and International Relations-Related Arguments

• Words: 1207

The US Espionage on Friends or Allies

Israel’s and turkey’s foreign and defense policies, us geopolitical interests in the middle east before 1900, the role of faith in the us-middle east foreign policy.

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Article contents

Liberal perspectives on the global political economy.

• Darel E. Paul Darel E. Paul Department of Political Science, Williams College
• https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190846626.013.32
• Published in print: 01 March 2010
• Published online: 11 January 2018

Liberal international political economy (IPE) is the offspring of a marriage between mainstream international economics with its focus on markets and mainstream international relations with its emphasis on the state. While clearly involving the traditional disciplines of economics and political science, liberal scholarship in IPE tends to be housed almost exclusively in the latter. Liberal IPE has always maintained a special relationship with its absentee father economics, looking to it particularly as a source of theoretical and especially methodological inspiration. In its earlier phase, the “American school” of IPE, also known by its practitioners as Open Economy Politics (OEP), was strongly oriented toward studying the societal determinants of state trade policy and indeed continues to expand upon this terrain. OEP has moved into many diverse areas since then. Having roots in both neoclassical economics and realist international relations theory, OEP has a strong tendency to limit its empirical interest to observable behavior, define interest in strictly material terms, and assume the psychology of decision-making to be rational and therefore unproblematic. Unsurprisingly, OEP has little room for ideas as interesting and important objects of study, and in turn some of the early pioneers of the liberal approach in IPE have lamented its becoming “too materialistic.”

• liberal international political economy
• international political economy
• global political economy
• Open Economy Politics
• normative liberalism

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date: 23 October 2024

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