Globalization Topics for Research Papers

Debate may arise when people discuss the exact definition of the word "globalization." Some say that globalization is a general integration of culture and politics through business, while others argue that it's characterized by developed nations taking advantage of cheap labor to generate higher profits. One thing that almost everyone agrees on, though, is that globalization is happening and that it is bringing world economies closer together. Because globalization is such a powerful force, finding a focused topic for a research paper on the subject will not be difficult if you take time to seriously consider and narrow down what you could write about.

One of the biggest driving forces behind globalization is outsourcing, or relocating manufacturing, production or distribution duties to other countries. Many large corporations outsource responsibilities to save money on the development of their products. Typically, outsourcing results in jobs moving to countries that report lower average rates of pay. India is an example of a country that has received many outsourced jobs. In your research paper on globalization, focus on past trends in outsourcing and speculate on what they mean for the future.

Although technology has certainly expedited the ability to globalize different companies and corporations, international trade exchanges have occurred for thousands of years. For example, in the Middle Ages, the Silk Road was a main trade route that connected China with Europe. In your research paper on globalization, you can study the ancient development of globalization or how it advanced with technology in the modern age.

Globalization is different for each market and each industry, in terms of key players, motivations, logistics and other factors. For example, globalization of the furniture industry might look different from globalization of the fashion industry. Pick one industry or specific market for a type of product, and study the causes and effects of globalization that relate to it. In addition, you could use your research paper on globalization as a way to investigate what international operations mean for companies, employees and consumers.

Write a research paper on the domestic effects of globalization in the last year or two. For example, research U.S. groups who are either for or against globalization. Argue how the effort to buy only products made in the U.S. is either hurting or helping the economy. In addition, you could investigate how many U.S.-based companies maintain global operations, and how outsourcing has affected consumer cost in their industries.