IB Global Politics HL – In-Depth Course Analysis and Study Guide

IB Global Politics HL (Higher Level) is an advanced, interdisciplinary course combining political theory, international relations, and contemporary global issues. It is tailored for students with strong critical thinking skills, a passion for political inquiry, and the ability to engage with complex ideological debates.

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What Makes IB Global Politics HL Unique?

Compared to the Standard Level (SL), Global Politics HL demands greater theoretical depth, broader case study application, and more rigorous academic research.

Key Differences from SL:

• Advanced Theoretical Frameworks: Includes Postcolonialism, Constructivism, and Global Justice theories.
• Diverse Case Studies: Emphasizes non-Western political practices (e.g., conflict resolution in the African Union).
• University-Level Research: HL requires a 3,000-word extended essay using primary data and original analysis.

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IB Global Politics HL Syllabus Overview

HL students cover four core units (with 60 additional teaching hours compared to SL) and exclusive HL components.

Module	HL Focus	Sample Case Study
Power, Sovereignty & International Relations	Use of “structural power” theory to analyze the US-China trade war.	Comparing Realism vs. Liberal Institutionalism in explaining NATO expansion.
Global Political Challenges	Two HL-exclusive topics: 1) Governance failures (e.g. WTO reform); 2) Emerging threats to human security (e.g. AI weaponization).	Applying securitization theory to COVID-19 vaccine diplomacy.
Political Theory	Explore ideologies including Postcolonialism (Said’s Orientalism), Ecofeminism, and Global Justice Theory.	Using Amartya Sen’s “Development as Freedom” to evaluate the Belt and Road Initiative.
Internal Assessment (IA)	2,000-word political behavior report (vs. 1,600 words in SL) with original data analysis and theory application.	Designing an experiment on how Hong Kong youth form attitudes toward “patriots governing Hong Kong.”

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Assessment Structure – IB Global Politics HL

External Assessment (80%)

Paper 1 – Conceptual Analysis

• Four short-response questions (vs. 3 in SL).
• Tasks include comparing theoretical perspectives and referencing post-2020 global events.
• Sample Question: “Using the concept of soft power, analyze K-pop’s global political influence.”

Paper 2 – Extended Response

• Choose 3 out of 8 questions (SL chooses 2).
• Includes a 25-mark essay requiring multi-layered argumentation and ethical evaluation of policy.
• Sample Question: “Critically assess the concept of ‘climate debt’ in COP28 negotiations.”

HL Extension Essay – Original Research (3,000 words)

• Required only for HL students.
• Must incorporate:
  • Primary sources (e.g., interviews, archival documents),
  • Two or more theoretical lenses,
  • Actionable policy recommendations.
• Top Example: “The Authoritarian Model of Singapore and Its Implications for Democratization in Southeast Asia.”

Internal Assessment (20%)

• Political Behavior Investigation:
  • Use mixed methods (e.g., surveys + in-depth interviews).
  • Control variables such as age, education.
  • Include methodological reflection.

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Core Skills Developed in IB Global Politics HL

1. Theoretical Application

• Master switching between lenses (e.g., Huntington’s “Clash of Civilizations” vs. Complex Interdependence Theory on the Israel-Palestine conflict).

2. Policy Evaluation Techniques

• Use frameworks like SWOT and PESTEL to assess social, technological, economic, political, environmental, and legal dimensions.

3. Critical Writing

• Write in a “theoretical dialogue” structure:
  • Literature review → Case analysis → Theoretical refinement.

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University and Career Advantages

• Top Politics Schools: LSE may require a 6 in Global Politics HL + HL History or Economics.
• UN Internships: UNDP Youth Leadership Program prioritizes applicants with a 7 in Global Politics HL.
• Think Tank Experience: Many interns at the Brookings Institution have studied Global Politics HL.

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Strategic Learning Resources for HL Students

Skill Area	HL Tools	Example Usage
Theory Mapping	Global Politics: A New Introduction	Visualize debates between Realism and Liberalism.
Data Analysis	UN Comtrade + Tableau	Visualize tariff impacts in the US-China tech war.
Negotiation Skills	Harvard Model UN Agenda Guides	Simulate UN Security Council votes on North Korea sanctions.

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Success Factors for Global Politics HL

Stay Updated on Global Events:

• Build a “Global Events–Theory Connection” database.
• Write briefings in the style of The Economist.

Integrate Across Disciplines:

• Use Public Choice Theory (from Economics) to analyze voting behavior.
• Apply TOK to examine epistemology in political discourse.

Train in Research Methods:

• Complete one mock peer review exercise per month.

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Ideal IB Global Politics HL Student Profile

This course is ideal for students who:

• Can dedicate 7+ hours per week reading journals like Foreign Affairs.
• Are passionate about asymmetric power structures and global justice.
• Aim for careers in diplomacy, international law, or strategic policy.

Outcomes of IB Global Politics HL:

✔ Ability to deconstruct global news through ideological lenses
✔ Professional policy memo writing skills
✔ Confidence to lead university-level political theory seminars

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Note: For official information, visit the IB website: www.ibo.org

This article was created with the assistance of AI and edited by Prof. Chan Kwok Wai. Supervising Editor: Kong Yik Leung.