100 Ideas for Research Projects in International Relations

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

28. The role of Russia in post-Soviet space
29. The impact of Brexit on the EU’s future
30. The influence of global superpowers on smaller nations
31. The rise of China as a global power and its implications
32. The future of US-China relations
33. The impact of US foreign policy on the Middle East
34. The geopolitics of the Arctic and its future
35. Geopolitics of energy and its influence on international relations
36. The geopolitics of the South China Sea dispute
37. The geopolitics of international trade in rare minerals
38. The politics of space exploration
39. The politics of global energy scarcity
40. The role of cybersecurity and its importance in international relations
41. The future of diplomacy in a digital world
42. The role of international sanctions on North Korea
43. The politics of international military alliances
44. The role of diplomacy in preventing nuclear proliferation
45. The role of regional organisations in promoting peace
46. How is China’s investment in South American infrastructure influencing regional alliances and local economies?
47. What impact does the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) have on Africa’s economic autonomy and global trade partnerships?
48. The role of international relations in post-conflict resolution
49. The role of diplomacy in preventing nuclear proliferation

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

50. How international trade agreements shape global economies
51. The impact of trade wars on global economies
52. The influence of multinational corporations in shaping international policies
53. How trade routes shape international alliances
54. The politics of international finance aid
55. International relations and currency wars
56. The influence of global financial institutions on state sovereignty
57. The role of economic sanctions in changing government behaviour
58. The impact of foreign direct investment on international relations
59. How global trade policies impact developing countries
60. The role of foreign aid in promoting economic development
61. The effectiveness of the World Bank in addressing poverty
62. How economic dependency shapes international relations

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

63. How climate change is reshaping international relations
64. The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in global climate policy
65. How climate change affects international security
66. How water scarcity affects international conflict
67. The role of diplomacy in preventing climate conflicts
68. The role of international law in protecting the environment
69. The impact of international relations on climate migration
70. The role of international development organisations in promoting sustainability
71. The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in global climate policy

Research Project Ideas about Human Rights and Migration

72. The role of migration policies in international relations
73. The impact of global migration on international relations
74. How international relations affect global gender equality movements
75. The influence of non-state actors in modern international relations
76. The role of human rights in shaping international policies
77. The effectiveness of international policies on protecting refugees and displaced populations
78. How the global refugee crisis affects national sovereignty and international relations

Research Project Ideas about Culture and Ideology in International Relations

79. The influence of political ideologies on international alliances
80. The role of cultural diplomacy in building international relationships
81. The rise of populism and its effect on international relations
82. The impact of nationalism on international relations
83. The role of religion in shaping international policies
84. The impact of media representation on cross-cultural relations
85. The influence of national identity in global diplomacy
86. The role of indigenous cultures in international policy discussions

Research Project Ideas about International Security, Media, and Technology

87. The role of media in shaping perceptions of conflicts
88. How international relations are shaping the future of cybersecurity
89. The influence of international relations on media censorship
90. The impact of AI on global security
91. Cybersecurity’s uses in modern international relations
92. How social media influences modern diplomacy
93. The role of social media in shaping public opinion on international issues
94. The impact of digital surveillance on international human rights laws
95. The ethical implications of AI and technology in global security policies

Research Project Ideas about Food Security and Humanitarian Interventions

96. The politics of food security
97. The impact of climate change on food security in developing countries
98. How international trade policies impact food security in low-income countries
99. The effectiveness of humanitarian aid in conflict zones
100. The politics of international humanitarian intervention

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!