In-Depth Analysis of IB Global Politics HL (Higher Level)

Course Nature and Academic Positioning

IB Global Politics HL is an advanced interdisciplinary course that combines political theory, international relations, and contemporary global issues. It is designed for students who exhibit the following traits:

• Critical Thinking: Ability to critically analyze international power structures.
• Ideological Debate: Capacity to engage with complex ideological discussions.
• Original Political Analysis: Willingness to conduct original political analysis.

Key Differences Between HL and SL

• Theoretical Depth: Requires understanding of advanced theoretical frameworks such as postcolonialism and constructivism.
• Case Study Scope: Demands the analysis of political practices from non-Western perspectives (e.g., African Union conflict mediation mechanisms).
• Research Rigor: HL extension papers need to meet university preparatory research standards.

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Course Structure and HL-Specific Content

Four Core Units (60 additional hours compared to SL)

Module	HL Depth Requirements	Typical Case Study Analysis
Power, Sovereignty, and International Relations	– Use “structural power” theory to analyze the US-China trade war – Assess the feasibility of UN reform proposals	Compare the realist and liberal institutionalist explanations of NATO’s eastward expansion
Global Political Challenges	– In-depth research on 2 HL-exclusive topics: global governance failure (e.g., WTO reform crisis) and new human security threats (e.g., AI weaponization)	Apply “securitization theory” to analyze vaccine distribution policies in different countries
Political Theory	– Advanced exploration of 3 ideologies: postcolonialism (Said’s “Orientalism”), ecofeminism, and global justice theory	Use Amartya Sen’s “Development as Freedom” theory to evaluate the local impact of the Belt and Road Initiative
Internal Assessment	2,000-word political behavior survey report (SL is 1,600 words), including primary data analysis and theoretical application	Design an experimental study on Hong Kong youth’s attitudes towards “Patriots governing Hong Kong”

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HL-Specific Assessment System

External Assessment (80%)

1. Paper 1: Conceptual Analysis
   • 4 short essay questions (SL has 3), requiring:
     • Compare two theoretical perspectives
     • Cite recent examples (post-2020 events)
       Example: “Analyze the international political impact of K-pop using the concept of soft power.”
2. Paper 2: Issue Extension
   • Choose 3 out of 8 questions (SL selects 2), including:
     • Construct multi-layered arguments for a 25-point question
     • Evaluate the ethical consequences of policy options
       Example question: “Critique the validity of the ‘climate debt’ concept in COP28 negotiations.”
3. HL Extended Essay
   • 3,000-word original research paper (SL does not have this requirement), requiring:
     • Use of primary data (interviews/archives)
     • Application of at least 2 theoretical frameworks
     • Proposal of policy recommendations
       Example: “The authoritarian model of Singapore as a demonstration effect on Southeast Asian democratization.”

Internal Assessment (20%)

• Political Behavior Experiment:
  • Use a mixed-method approach (questionnaires + in-depth interviews)
  • Control for variables (e.g., age/education level)
  • Include methodological reflections

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Core Skills Developed in HL

1. Theory Application
   • Mastery in shifting between analytical frameworks (e.g., using “Clash of Civilizations” and “Interdependence Theory” to interpret the Israeli-Palestinian conflict).
2. Policy Evaluation Techniques
   • Design a comprehensive SWOT-PESTEL matrix (Social/Technological/Economic/Political/Environmental/Legal).
3. Critical Writing
   • Master the “theoretical dialogue” paper structure: Literature review → Case testing → Theory revision.

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University Pathways and Advantages

• Top Political Science Universities: LSE requires HL 6 + History/Economics HL
• International Organization Internships: UNDP Youth Leadership Program gives priority to applicants with HL Global Politics 7.
• Think Tank Research: Brookings Institution interns often come from an IB HL Global Politics background.

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Strategic Learning Tools

Skill Area	HL-Specific Resources	Application Example
Theory Mapping	“Global Politics: A New Introduction” theory maps	Visualize debates between liberalism and realism
Data Platforms	UN Comtrade Database + Tableau for trade dependence visualization	Graph the tariff effects of the US-China tech war
Model UN Negotiation	Harvard Model UN agenda handbook	Simulate UN Security Council voting on North Korea sanctions

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Key Success Factors

1. Current Events Tracking System
   • Create a “Global Events-Theory Link” database (e.g., analyze the Russia-Ukraine war using “Kindleberger Trap”)
   • Regularly write briefings in the style of The Economist.
2. Interdisciplinary Integration
   • Combine Economics’ “Public Choice Theory” to analyze voting behavior
   • Use TOK to discuss the epistemological basis of political discourse.
3. Research Methodology Training
   • Complete one simulated academic peer review per month.

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Ideal Learner Profile

This course is best suited for students who:

• Can dedicate 7+ hours per week to reading professional journals like Foreign Affairs.
• Have a passion for exploring “asymmetric power relationships” in political theory.
• Plan to pursue careers in diplomacy, international law, or strategic studies.

After HL training, students will be equipped with:

• The ability to deconstruct the ideological frameworks behind international news.
• Professional skills in writing policy briefs.
• Confidence to lead theoretical debates in university seminars.

Note: The above information is for reference only. For more details, please refer to the official IB website: www.ibo.org