Political intrigues us all. From fluctuating administration policies to unexpected election results, there’s no shortage of topics to discuss over dinner with friends or colleagues. But some topics are especially heated, even when discussed among political opponents. The ten topics listed below are some of the most burning topics in the realm of international politics, and offer fascinating conversations opportunities.
#1 Immigration
Immigration is one of the hottest political topics in recent memory. This is because immigration disputes are at the heart of many current political debates, including the national protections granted to undocumented citizens and the effectiveness of immigration policies to limit the influx of immigrants, both legally and illegally.
#2 Tax Reform
Tax reform, or the lack thereof, has been a major point of contention in the United States since the Reagan era. The issue of taxation has been thrust back into the spotlight in recent years as taxes have become a popular way to fund government initiatives and infrastructure improvements. Additionally, it has also become a point of contention as tax laws increasingly favor wealthy individuals and corporations, rather than middle-class citizens.
#3 Terrorism
The threat of terrorism is one of the leading concerns of citizens and international governments in the current era. From the rise of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria to homegrown terrorism in the West, President Obama has vowed to make fighting terrorism a focus of his legacy. This has resulted in heated debates about everything from the pros and cons of drone strikes to the effectiveness of international counterterrorism initiatives.
#4 Trade Agreements
International trade agreements have become an increasingly hot-button political topic as global trade has expanded. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is one of the most recent agreements that has led to heated debates. The contents of the agreement, which covers 40% of the world’s economy, are somewhat controversial, and has sparked debates over issues such as the exploitations of labor and the potential monopolization of certain markets.
#5 Global Warming
One of the hottest and most controversial topics in the realm of international politics is the issue of global warming. Climate change is an issue that has been gaining more attention in recent years, and has become a popular platform for many political candidates, such as Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton. The heated debates surrounding this issue include questions about the efficacy of environmental policies and their ability to mitigate the effects of global warming.
#6 Government Spending
Government spending is a perennial political hot-button issue. The topic has been gaining traction in recent years, especially as the US confronts its trillion dollar national debt. Discussions about government spending often center on debates about taxes and balancing the budget, as well as more theoretical topics like the role of government in citizens’ lives and the consequences of large-scale government investment schemes.
#7 Gun Control
Gun control has been a major political topic since the Sandy Hook massacre in 2012. Since then, there have been much heated debate surrounding the issue of gun control, with different politicians arguing for and against various gun control policies. Recent debates have focused on the effects of concealed-carry laws, the effectiveness of universal background checks, and the efficacy of so-called “assault weapons” bans.
#8 Refugee Crisis
The current refugee crisis has sparked countless debates in politics and media alike. There is no shortage of opinions on how to best manage the influx of refugees, ranging from solidifying international borders to an open-door policy. Additionally, certain political groups have also taken up the issue in order to further their own agenda, leading to further debates over what policies should move forward in relation to the refugee crisis.
#9 Trade Sanction
The topic of trade sanctions has been a major political talking point for years. In particular, the Chinese government’s aggressive stance towards trade agreements have led to discussions about the balance of power and the consequences of sanctions for different countries. It has also sparked debates regarding the ethics of placing economic pressure on other nations in order to get them to comply with international standards of trade.
#10 Stem Cell Research
Stem cell research is another major political issue. This is because the topic raises ethical and religious considerations that divide even the most cohesive political groups. There is no shortage of debates about the potential benefits and harms of stem cell research, and the topic routinely comes up in conjunction with debates about healthcare reform, genetic research, and the appropriate use of government funding for scientific endeavors.
Conclusion
The ten topics listed above represent some of the most heated debates in international politics today. From religion and government spending to immigration to gun control, these topics have the potential to spark intense conversations among political opponents. Whether you agree or disagree with what is being said, engaging in meaningful dialogue with political opponents offers excellent opportunities to learn and debate the issues of the day.
