Research Paper Topics

First topic: The effects of New Zealand's banning of nuclear energy, both as a source of electricity and for military purposes. This would be specific to the act passed by New Zealand's parliament, its effects both on domestic and foreign policy, and how it shapes that country today. I am interested in this after visiting New Zealand this past summer, and seeing how they run their country without the aid of nuclear energy in both the electricity and defense industries. The argument would be that such a ban has more positive effects and should be enforced in more countries. Points included would be the nuclear disasters at Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, and Japan (after 2011 earthquake), New Zealand investing in alternative energy sources such as geothermal, and how this affects foreign policy, specifically relations with the United States.

Second topic: Should mixed martial arts as a sport still be banned in certain states? Three states in the US ban mixed martial arts as a sport, the three being Vermont, Connecticut, and most notably, New York. Mixed martial arts is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and is becoming increasingly more mainstream in the United States. The highest professional league, the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is extremely popular, and garners millions of viewers for its TV shows, spectators at events, and viewers on pay-per-view for its major events. I am interested in this because I got hooked on the sport from my younger brother, and am an avid fan of middleweight fighter, Brian Stann, pictured above. The argument would be that with sports such as professional wrestling and boxing being allowed, mixed martial arts should be too and the advantages of a state allowing mixed martial arts.