How to respond to an e-mail asking me to suggest a doctoral research topic? With networks like ResearchGate and Academia.edu, it's easy to connect with and follow researchers from a variety of different nations and backgrounds.  I personally think this is great, and I hope such networks can help reduce redundancy in research.

Every now and then, though, I get a request from someone whose English is poor enough that it obscures meaning, and they are usually from a non-Western country with limited access to research materials.  Recently, I received an e-mail from a PhD student wanting me to suggest a thesis topic.

I'm all for helping people, especially if they are bright and eager and trying to work their way out of a crappy situation.  But I honestly have no idea how to respond to such an e-mail.  I intend to ask for more information about who the student's advisor is, what people in their group work on, etc.  But are there are other things I should keep in mind?  Is there anything I should be wary of?

P.S. I'm trying to choose my words carefully-- I don't want to play "Western savior," but I also acknowledge I have a real advantage as a Westerner and don't want to lightly dismiss a request for help when it could have a real impact on the student.
I would suggest, unfortunately, that you refrain from giving students research topics. That is, unless you are able to continue to guide them through their degrees remotely. I doubt that you are able to do that, hence my recommendation. 

It would be different, of course, if the request were coming from the advisor of such a student. In that case, you can examine what it might be that the advisor is most capable of doing for the student. 

As a positive response to the student, and a general one that requires minimal tailoring in each case, is to ask the student to connect with a local advisor and, if the advisor is unable to come up with something, to have that advisor contact you. 

But I think that local advice will be needed for nearly every student. In the very rare exceptions, the initial letter will probably make that clear.