The 21st century is characterized by rapid change and increasing interconnectedness, impacting individuals and societies in unprecedented ways and creating complex global political challenges. Global Politics is an exciting, dynamic subject that draws on a variety of disciplines in the social sciences and humanities, reflecting the complex nature of many contemporary political issues. The study of global politics enables students to critically engage with different and new perspectives and approaches to politics in order to comprehend the challenges of the changing world and become aware of their role in it as active global citizens.

The Diploma Programme Global Politics course is an introduction to the discipline of International Relations, it explores fundamental political concepts such as power, equality, sustainability and peace in a range of contexts. It allows students to develop an understanding of the local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity and processes, as well as to explore political issues affecting their own lives. The course helps students to understand abstract political concepts by grounding them in real-world examples and case studies. It also invites comparison between such examples and case studies to ensure a wider and transnational perspective.

The core units of the course together make up a central unifying theme of “people, power and politics”. The emphasis on “people” reflects the fact that the course explores politics not only at a state level but also explores the function and impact of non-state actors, communities, groups and individuals. The concept of “power” is also emphasised as being particularly crucial to understanding the dynamics, tensions and outcomes of global politics. Throughout the course, issues such as conflict, migration or climate change are explored through an explicitly political lens: “politics” provides a uniquely rich context in which to explore the relationship between people and power. 

Global Politics students should have a minimum of a C (or equivalent) in English, as there is some focus on written communication and essay writing, particularly at Higher Level level. No other formal requirements other than a keen interest in the world around you. 

All standard-level and higher-level students complete a common core entitled "People, Power and Politics". In addition to this, there are three thematic studies that supplement the core unit:

• • Rights and Justice

  • Development and sustainability

  • Peace and conflict

These core concepts are explored and examined through the use of a range of contemporary case studies, allowing students to delve deeply into some of the complex political world issues that are prominent today. For example, an exploration of the situation in Syria will be used to underpin both concepts of state sovereignty and human rights, while China’s foreign policy in Africa could be used to shed light on development and globalisation.

All Standard Level and Higher Level students also complete coursework through which they study a political issue of interest experientially. This involves an engagement activity, such as interviewing policymakers on a development theme, participating in work with an NGO or organising an awareness-raising campaign on an issue. In their assessed written report, they examine a political issue they learned about through the activity, their study of global politics and further reading.

Higher-level students also examine contemporary global challenges through a case study approach.    

Distinction between Standard Level and Higher Level

Students of global politics at Standard Level and Higher Level are presented with a syllabus that has a common core. This common core consists of four compulsory units under the central unifying theme of “people, power and politics

In summary:

• Standard Level and Higher Level students study the four core units and undertake an engagement activity which is written up as internally assessed coursework.

• Through a case study approach, Higher Level students also examine and evaluate global political challenges, which by their nature are complex, contestable and interlinked; this provides further depth at HL. These case studies are the centerpiece of a Paper 3 examination with broad stimulus-based questions. 

Standard and Higher Level students will sit the following examinations:

Paper 1: Source-based questions that address topics from the global politics core in an integrated way

Paper 2: Extended response questions based on prescribed content from the thematic studies

Paper 3 (Higher Level Only): Stimulus-based questions related to the HL extension syllabus (global political challenges)

Internal Assessment (IA) – ‘Engagement Project’, A written report on a political issue explored through engagement and research 

The course will appeal to students who genuinely:

• Have an interest in understanding the construction of the modern world;

• Are passionate about current affairs and international issues;

• Enjoy investigation and discovery;

• Enjoy debate and like putting forward a well-argued case;

• Want to improve their analytical skills;

• Want to study a subject which encourages them to consider evidence and make up their own minds;

• Want to develop an understanding of shared experiences and values of humanity.

​Students who study IB Global Politics have access to a wide range of career and higher education opportunities. By the end of the course, students will have learned how to evaluate and analyse information, how to weigh up evidence and how to communicate complex ideas effectively. These skills are recognised and valued by employers, universities and colleges. IB Global Politics provides an excellent foundation for a wide range of university courses in the social sciences and liberal arts, including International Relations and PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics).