Are you fascinated by the way different nations interact on the global stage and want to be a part of it? If so, a research project in international relations could be your gateway. 

Whether you’re aiming for a qualification, or just want to show what you know, choosing the right EPQ topic idea will help you explore the exciting world of international affairs, negotiations, and conflict resolution. 

What Makes a Great Research Topic in International Relations

Prove your potential to educational institutions and employers by choosing engaging international relations research EPQ topic ideas. Consider the following points to make a well-informed decision: 

  • Interest: ask yourself which area of international relations piques your interest. Whether that’s trade, diplomacy, or resolving conflict, choose an EPQ topic that you want to explore in depth.
  • Relevant: zone in on a real-world research topic that demonstrates your awareness of current global issues. 
  • Perspectives: make sure your research offers multiple perspectives, showing your analytical skills, rather than being one-sided.
  • Application: consider how your research could add to current knowledge and help to find solutions or offer new ways of thinking.

100 Research Ideas for International Relations

Research Project Ideas about Global Governance and International Organizations

  1. The role of the UN in conflict resolution
  2. The role of NATO in maintaining global security
  3. The role of the International Criminal Court in global justice
  4. The role of women in peace negotiations
  5. The effectiveness of peacekeeping missions in post-conflict regions
  6. The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in global climate policy
  7. How international organisations deal with global pandemics
  8. The role of soft power in shaping international relations
  9. The effectiveness of humanitarian aid in conflict zones
  10. The role of international law in resolving territorial disputes
  11. The role of international NGOs in shaping global policy
  12. The influence of multinational corporations on global policy
  13. The effectiveness of international treaties on arms control
  14. The role of international relations in addressing global terrorism
  15. The impact of international organisations on human rights
  16. Global health diplomacy and the role of the WHO
  17. The effectiveness of multilateralism in addressing global crises
  18. The role of foreign aid in promoting economic development
  19. The future of the World Trade Organisation in global commerce
  20. The effectiveness of global health initiatives
  21. The role of international relations in space
  22. The role of international relations in global environmental policy
  23. The role of international organisations in cyber warfare policies
  24. The role of the G7 and G20 in global governance
  25. How international relations affect nuclear disarmament negotiations
  26. How international relations shape global disaster response
  27. International relations and global tech regulation

Research Project Ideas about Geopolitics and Security

  1. The role of Russia in post-Soviet space
  2. The impact of Brexit on the EU’s future
  3. The influence of global superpowers on smaller nations
  4. The rise of China as a global power and its implications
  5. The future of US-China relations
  6. The impact of US foreign policy on the Middle East
  7. The geopolitics of the Arctic and its future
  8. Geopolitics of energy and its influence on international relations
  9. The geopolitics of the South China Sea dispute
  10. The geopolitics of international trade in rare minerals
  11. The politics of space exploration
  12. The politics of global energy scarcity
  13. The role of cybersecurity and its importance in international relations
  14. The future of diplomacy in a digital world
  15. The role of international sanctions on North Korea
  16. The politics of international military alliances
  17. The role of diplomacy in preventing nuclear proliferation
  18. The role of regional organisations in promoting peace
  19. How is China’s investment in South American infrastructure influencing regional alliances and local economies?
  20. What impact does the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) have on Africa’s economic autonomy and global trade partnerships?
  21. The role of international relations in post-conflict resolution
  22. The role of diplomacy in preventing nuclear proliferation

Research Project Ideas about Research Project Ideas about International Economy and Trade

  1. How international trade agreements shape global economies
  2. The impact of trade wars on global economies
  3. The influence of multinational corporations in shaping international policies
  4. How trade routes shape international alliances
  5. The politics of international finance aid
  6. International relations and currency wars
  7. The influence of global financial institutions on state sovereignty
  8. The role of economic sanctions in changing government behaviour
  9. The impact of foreign direct investment on international relations
  10. How global trade policies impact developing countries
  11. The role of foreign aid in promoting economic development
  12. The effectiveness of the World Bank in addressing poverty
  13. How economic dependency shapes international relations
A tutor presenting content on international relations using a whiteboard

Research Project Ideas about Research Project Ideas about Environmental Policy and Climate Change

  1. How climate change is reshaping international relations
  2. The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in global climate policy
  3. How climate change affects international security
  4. How water scarcity affects international conflict
  5. The role of diplomacy in preventing climate conflicts
  6. The role of international law in protecting the environment
  7. The impact of international relations on climate migration
  8. The role of international development organisations in promoting sustainability
  9. The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in global climate policy

Research Project Ideas about Human Rights and Migration

  1. The role of migration policies in international relations
  2. The impact of global migration on international relations
  3. How international relations affect global gender equality movements
  4. The influence of non-state actors in modern international relations
  5. The role of human rights in shaping international policies
  6. The effectiveness of international policies on protecting refugees and displaced populations
  7. How the global refugee crisis affects national sovereignty and international relations

Research Project Ideas about Culture and Ideology in International Relations

  1. The influence of political ideologies on international alliances
  2. The role of cultural diplomacy in building international relationships
  3. The rise of populism and its effect on international relations
  4. The impact of nationalism on international relations
  5. The role of religion in shaping international policies
  6. The impact of media representation on cross-cultural relations
  7. The influence of national identity in global diplomacy
  8. The role of indigenous cultures in international policy discussions

Research Project Ideas about International Security, Media, and Technology

  1. The role of media in shaping perceptions of conflicts
  2. How international relations are shaping the future of cybersecurity
  3. The influence of international relations on media censorship
  4. The impact of AI on global security
  5. Cybersecurity’s uses in modern international relations
  6. How social media influences modern diplomacy
  7. The role of social media in shaping public opinion on international issues
  8. The impact of digital surveillance on international human rights laws
  9. The ethical implications of AI and technology in global security policies

Research Project Ideas about Food Security and Humanitarian Interventions

  1. The politics of food security
  2. The impact of climate change on food security in developing countries
  3. How international trade policies impact food security in low-income countries
  4. The effectiveness of humanitarian aid in conflict zones
  5. The politics of international humanitarian intervention

Philosophy Politics and Economics

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Examine society’s foundational systems in Cambridge, where these...

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Philosophy Politics and Economics

In-person

Analyse society’s core systems in Oxford, where interdisciplinary...

Academic Insights
Provides a thorough introduction to diverse academic fields. Ideal for students beginning to contemplate their future academic paths and eager to explore various disciplines.
Product-Image-23.
Ages: 16-18

Research Projects For Top International Relations Skills

Completing an EPQ international relations research project will open doors to your future in this dynamic field. Through exploring the intricacies of international relations, you’ll gain a better understanding of the exciting career opportunities available to you.

Check out the Immerse Education Business Management Online Research Programme Page, where expert academics are ready to help you. From starting the research process to refining a degree-worthy essay, begin your career in international relations with Immerse Education today!

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