Top 10 Interesting Research Paper Topics 2021 [Part 1] – Detailed Guide

Most of us would agree that finding the right topic is one of the most challenging parts of any research. Any writer would have to balance the theme (or subject), difficulty, uniqueness, and timeliness, among others, in order to write his research paper better.

However, this is also where things get tricky. It would take time and effort just to find the perfect research topic that would ensure that he writes a timely, interesting, and compelling research paper for his task. 

Additionally, since the effectiveness of a research paper is significantly related to its persuasiveness and capacity to pique the readers’ interests, then finding interesting research topics would be significantly helpful.

In the initial sections of this article, I would like to impart some of the most interesting research paper topics 2021. To make sure that this research topic list would help you get an excellent grade in your paper, I would endeavor to strike a balance between (1) uniqueness, (2) timeliness, and (3) interestingness. 

Take note that while these topics might not fit your specific task, you can use these research topic ideas as inspiration, tweak it, or even give them a twist to your heart’s content.

Nevertheless, you can also send us a message so that we can help you find unique research paper ideas based on your specific task. No fees, no commitments, just pure love for our clients and students alike.

I. Top 10 Research Paper Topics 2021

A. The Economic Repercussions of the Taliban’s Return to Power

1. Short Summary:

News spread on August 16, 2021, that the Taliban had marched in Kabul as the Americans withdrew their forces from Afghanistan. This signified the Taliban’s return to power after decades of war in the region. 

Accordingly, this shift in the region’s power relations and dynamics could have both short- and long-term effects in the field of international relations.

2. Subject: Economics, Finance, International Relations

3. Score:

• Uniqueness: 6/10
• Timeliness: 8/10
• Interestingness: 7/10

4. What makes this topic interesting? 

Part of what makes this topic interesting is the controversial nature of the event and the interesting perspective on the return of the Taliban. 

Most news would focus on the geopolitical and historical aspects of the conflict without focusing on the more significant implications of this event. Thus, shifting your focus to the economic aspect of world trade and finance would make this more interesting.

B. How does Technology Help us Succeed the Global Climate Change Challenge?

1. Short Summary:

Climate change is not new. So is Global Warming. However, despite the collective efforts by States, private institutions, and private individuals alike, studies show that targets have been missed, and temperature estimates are about to get worse. 

In fact, weather fluctuations, ecological deterioration, and the occurrence of natural disasters are much more severe these days, which shows the growing necessity to meet these deadlines.

2. Subject: Life Sciences, Ecology

3. Score:

• Uniqueness: 5/10
• Timeliness: 9/10
• Interestingness: 6/10

4. What makes this topic interesting?

The topic of climate change, global warming, and our collective efforts to curtail its adverse effects is nothing new. In fact, this is one of the most commonly used research topics in the academe. 

However, the recent “failure” of the global collective efforts made us ask again, “what are we doing wrong?” and “What can we do to improve our responses?”

Additionally, the focus on the use of technology also increases the interest in new innovations and technologies that could further our efforts to succeed. Thus, even though this topic might seem mundane, I believe that this is still one of the fun research topics not only for 2021 but even for decades to come.  

C. Does Capitalism work effectively without Democracy?

1. Short Summary:

Following the decline of the Soviet Union (and socialism), almost every nation-state in the world has embraced Capitalism as its mode of production. They realized that Capitalism helped improve innovation, foster economic production, and increase spending, to name a few. 

Accordingly, this kind of capitalist mode of production was closely tied with the idea of the “free market,” which is closely related to Democracy.

However, one of the growing concerns these days is the concept of “Global Democratic Erosion.” This started in 2006 and intensified during the past years (especially in 2021) by the reduction of civil liberties in several states worldwide. 

2. Subject: Political Science, International Relations

3. Score:

• Uniqueness: 6/10
• Timeliness: 4/10
• Interestingness: 7/10

4. What makes this topic interesting?

We have always believed that Democracy is the best way of governance because it provides the people with the broadest latitude of freedom and discretion while vesting the government’s legitimate sovereign power (from the citizenry itself). 

Additionally, most global superpowers (except China) are democratic in nature, which makes us think that this form of government is the way to go. 

However, recent reports of nation-states that reverts to partial or total authoritarianism raise questions such as; (1) what causes them to change, (2) are they needed for the continuation and success of the state, and (3) what are the responses of the citizenry to these changes, to name a few.

Because of this shift, which shakes the foundation of our very society, we believe this should be one of the most appropriate research paper topics for college students for 2021 and the immediate years to come.

D. Democratic Backsliding – Is Democracy Already Failing?

1. Short Summary:

Ever since the 20th Century, Democracy has been believed to be the best and most equitable form of government structure in the world. 

With the rise and adoption of democratic processes all over the world, there seems to be an idea that this is the ideal form of government. However, news reports and studies show that several democratic institutions have become less prominent, and authoritarian or semi-authoritarian regimes have started to emerge within the dawn of the decade.

2. Subject: Political Science, International Relations

3. Score:

• Uniqueness: 6/10
• Timeliness: 7/10
• Interestingness: 6/10

4. What makes this topic interesting?

Similar to the previous topic, the idea of democratic backsliding in the presence of established democratic processes, mechanisms, and institutions should indeed be a part of your research topics list this 2021. 

Notably, this topic would focus on how established mechanisms (i.e., the Bill of Rights in the Constitution) is circumvented by authoritarian regimes to achieve a significant degree of control over the citizens’ liberties.

For example, studies show that States (among other organizations) have “weaponized” social media to justify their actions and make the citizenry more “accepting” of the government’s actions. One example of this is the recent extra-judicial killings (EJKs) during the war on drugs in the Philippines, wherein social media was highly used to justify these EJKs.

E. The Rise of the ‘Influencer Economy’

1. Short Summary:

Social media has become an integral and indispensable part of our lives. Its benefits and disadvantages have thoroughly been studied and utilized by almost all organizations to tap into new markets which were previously inaccessible by more traditional mediums. 

Accordingly, one of the most interesting topics in the field of marketing is the rise of the Influencer Economy, which is reported to reach $16 billion in the year 2022. Compared before, where actresses and celebrities have a monopoly of what others may call “fame power,” the greater interconnectedness has made ‘fame’ a commodity that is relatively easier to attain these days.

2. Subject: Marketing, Sociology, Business

3. Score:

• Uniqueness: 5/10
• Timeliness: 7/10
• Interestingness: 7/10

4. What makes this topic interesting?

The main reason that makes this interesting is its timeliness and relevance in the present world. Compared before, when fame (and more particularly influence) was held by a small group of individuals, social media has made it easier to post their content and gain followers these days.

However, while this would seem to be a more equitable medium, studies show that this has led to various disadvantages and risks for others. For example, elections have shown that influencers could proliferate the spread of fake news and other hate content since they are less accountable for their actions compared to journalists.

Thus, since social media is not receding but even extending its influence over our lives through time, then adding this topic to your research paper topics 2021 would be an excellent idea for future purposes.