IB Global Politics SL Tutoring – Course Overview & Study Guide

IB Global Politics SL (Standard Level) is part of the Individuals and Societies subject group in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. This course equips students with a foundational understanding of political systems, international relations, power structures, and global governance, while developing critical thinking and analytical skills.

Core Content of IB Global Politics SL

The IB Global Politics SL syllabus is structured around four core units and includes one Internal Assessment (IA).

1. Power, Sovereignty and International Relations

• Nature of Power: Explore the sources of political power, such as military, economic, and ideological influence.
• Sovereignty and the State: Analyze state sovereignty, the formation of nation-states, and the challenges posed by globalization (e.g., international organizations and multinational corporations).
• Theories of International Relations: Understand and apply Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism to contemporary global conflicts and cooperation.

2. Human Rights and Global Development

• Human Rights Concepts and Challenges: Discuss universal human rights, cultural relativism, and real-world violations (e.g., refugee crises, racial discrimination).
• Global Development Inequality: Examine economic disparities, poverty, and the impact of international aid and debt.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Evaluate the role of organizations like the UN in promoting sustainable development.

3. Peace and Conflict

• Causes of Conflict: Investigate war, terrorism, and ethnic disputes stemming from resources, religion, or national identity.
• Peacebuilding and Resolution: Understand the roles of diplomacy, international law (e.g., UN Charter), and peacekeeping missions.
• Case Studies: Analyze real-world conflicts such as the Cold War, Middle East tensions, and the Ukraine-Russia war.

4. Globalization and Global Governance

• Impact of Globalization: Study the pros and cons of economic, cultural, and environmental globalization (e.g., MNCs, climate change).
• Mechanisms of Global Governance: Assess the effectiveness and limitations of organizations like the UN, WTO, and IMF.
• Non-State Actors: Explore the influence of NGOs and international advocacy groups (e.g., Greenpeace).

IB Global Politics SL Assessment Structure

External Assessment – 75%

• Paper 1: Short-answer questions and a mini-essay based on stimulus material (e.g., news excerpts, data charts).
• Paper 2: Two extended-response essays based on themes from the four core units.

Internal Assessment (IA) – 25%

• Engagement Activity: Students select a real-world political issue (e.g., climate justice, cybersecurity), conduct research, and submit a 2,000-word report. The IA must integrate theory with a case study.

Key Features of Global Politics SL

• Case-Based Learning: Emphasis on real-world examples such as the Syrian civil war or the EU crisis.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Combines insights from political science, economics, and sociology.
• Critical Thinking Focus: Encourages students to question dominant narratives and assess the influence of various actors (governments, NGOs, individuals).

Ideal Candidates for Global Politics SL

This course is well-suited for students who:

• Are interested in international news, human rights, and global affairs.
• Excel in text and data analysis, and can articulate arguments clearly.
• Plan to pursue university studies in political science, international relations, law, or social sciences.

While it does not cover HL-exclusive advanced theories (e.g., post-structuralism), Global Politics SL provides a solid foundation for understanding global political systems and dynamics.

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Note: For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official IB website at www.ibo.org.
This article was initially generated with AI assistance. Edited by Prof. Chan Kwok Wai. Supervising Editor: Kong Yik Leung.