Start here
Spend the first two weeks exploring what IB Global Politics is, how political issues are studied and whether the subject is right for you.
You will examine contemporary issues, discuss contested ideas, begin using political terminology and consider different perspectives before starting the core course.
No previous study of politics is required. The knowledge and skills needed for the course are developed during the course itself.
Your introduction
By the end of these two weeks
Understand the subject
Explain what Global Politics studies and why power is central to political inquiry.
Use political language
Begin using terms and concepts such as power, sovereignty, legitimacy, interdependence, hegemony and failed state.
Examine political issues
Identify actors, stakeholders, perspectives and levels of analysis in contemporary political cases.
Make an informed choice
Reflect on whether the subject's content, skills and learning approach suit your interests.
Course essentials
What you need to know before beginning
Nature of the subject
Global Politics explores how power operates, how political decisions are made and how change is created, challenged or resisted.
The course focuses on contemporary political issues and the interactions of individuals, communities, states, international organizations and other state and non-state actors.
Political issues are studied through different perspectives and across local, national, regional, international and global levels.
Aims of the subject
Through Global Politics, students learn to:
- explore and evaluate power in contemporary global politics
- examine how state and non-state actors operate and interact
- investigate political issues and challenges from multiple perspectives
- develop informed political judgments, collaboration and responsible global engagement
Scope of the subject
Global Politics is broader than governments, elections and international relations. It includes individuals, communities, states, international organizations, civil society, businesses, political leaders, social movements and the media.
Core concepts
- Power
- Sovereignty
- Legitimacy
- Interdependence
Thematic studies
- Rights and justice
- Development and sustainability
- Peace and conflict
HL inquiries
- Borders
- Environment
- Equality
- Health
- Identity
- Poverty
- Security
- Technology
Learning together
Essential Agreement
Global Politics involves contested ideas, sensitive issues and strongly held perspectives. Our Essential Agreement explains how we listen, question, disagree, use evidence and participate responsibly.
01 · Respectful dialogue
We listen actively, disagree with ideas rather than people, and give everyone space to speak.
02 · Evidence first
Claims must be supported with credible sources, using a consistent referencing style.
03 · Academic integrity
No plagiarism, no fabricated data. Paraphrase thoughtfully; quote and cite when needed.
04 · Multiple perspectives
We seek out diverse viewpoints and surface potential biases — including our own.
05 · Sensitive topics
We approach identity, conflict and rights with care. If you feel uncomfortable, tell me privately.
06 · Privacy & consent
For Engagement Project interviews and observations: get informed consent, protect identities where appropriate, store data securely, and delete it after use.
07 · Digital citizenship
Fact-check news, avoid spreading misinformation, and behave responsibly online.
08 · Accessibility & inclusion
We accommodate different needs, languages and backgrounds.
09 · Well-being
Balance academic challenge with care. Step away when you need to; come back ready to learn.
10 · Action with humility
When we engage beyond the classroom, we try to help without harm — and we learn from the communities we work with.
A key expectation
Global Politics is a dynamic subject. Students must be willing to read or listen to reliable news regularly, remain informed about current affairs and continuously apply course concepts to real political issues. Students should choose the subject only if they are prepared to develop this habit.
Before choosing the subject, ask yourself: Am I willing to follow current affairs regularly and use them in class discussions, activities and written work?
Orientation pathway
Your first two weeks
Follow this sequence during the first two weeks. Each stage introduces a habit that will be used throughout the course.
Week 1 — What makes an issue political?
Begin with a political issue
Introduce yourself through one political issue from your country or community.
- What is happening?
- Who is affected?
- Who has power?
- Who is seeking change?
- Who is resisting change?
What is politics?
Explore how politics involves power, decisions, authority, resources, participation, cooperation and disagreement—not only governments and elections.
What is Global Politics?
Introduce actors, stakeholders, contemporary political issues, levels of analysis and power as a central concept.
Establish the Essential Agreement
Discuss how the class will handle evidence, disagreement, sensitive topics, multiple perspectives and responsible participation.
Week 2 — How do Global Politics students think?
Explore key terms
Use the key-terms starter pack to discuss political vocabulary such as power, hegemony, state, failed state, sovereignty, legitimacy, interdependence, actor and stakeholder.
Students should not only memorize definitions. They should explain each term in their own words and apply it to a contemporary example.
Examine perspectives
Use one political issue to identify different viewpoints, interests and assumptions.
- How might different actors describe the issue?
- Whose perspective is most visible?
- Whose perspective is missing?
- How does power affect which voices are heard?
Practise claim and counterclaim
Make one political claim, identify an alternative view and use evidence to explain which argument is more convincing.
Decide whether the subject suits you
Reflect on the course content, learning approach, discussion expectations and requirement to remain informed about current affairs.
Classroom resources
Resources for the first two weeks
Introduction to Global Politics
A classroom presentation introducing the nature, aims and scope of the subject, course concepts, political issues, actors, perspectives, levels of analysis and assessment.
View on this page
Global Politics key terms starter pack
Key terms and discussion prompts for checking initial understanding, building political vocabulary and applying ideas to contemporary issues.
View on this page
Suggested classroom use
- Assign one term to each student or pair.
- Ask students to explain it in their own words.
- Ask for a contemporary example.
- Identify the actors and stakeholders involved.
- Connect the term to power.
- Ask students to create one question for class discussion.
Personal reflection
Is Global Politics for you?
After completing the two-week introduction, consider the following questions.
Global Politics may suit you if you are curious about how the world works, willing to remain informed and prepared to question evidence, examine different perspectives and develop reasoned political judgments.