Global Politics

To help you transition seamlessly into the rigours of the IB Diploma or Career-related Programme, this subject page houses your essential preparatory resources. Beyond the required Summer Task, designed to prime your analytical and subject-specific skills, you will find curated Recommended Reading and Recommended Viewing lists. These selections are handpicked by your future teachers to broaden your perspective, ignite your curiosity, and provide the cultural and academic context necessary for high-level inquiry. Engaging with these materials now will not only ease the step up from Grade 10 but will also give you a distinct advantage as you begin your two-year journey. 

Global Politics in the Real World

One of the best ways to prepare for DP Global Politics is to begin noticing how politics shapes everyday life — from conflict and migration to climate change, technology, identity, and human rights. Over the summer, complete the following light-touch inquiry task:

Step 1: Choose ONE global issue that interests you

Examples could include:

• Artificial Intelligence and misinformation

• Climate change and environmental justice

• Gender equality

• Migration and refugees

• Conflict and peacebuilding

• Social media and political influence

• Human rights abuses

• Wealth inequality

• Nationalism and identity politics

Step 2: Explore the issue through different perspectives

Find and engage with:

• 1 news article

• 1 video/documentary/podcast

• 1 social media post, campaign, or public reaction

As you explore, think about:

• Who has power in this situation?

• Who benefits and who is disadvantaged?

• What different perspectives exist?

• How do culture, identity, or ideology shape opinions?

Step 3: Create a short response

Choose one of the following:

• A one-page visual infographic

• A 2-minute video or voice reflection

• A short written reflection (300–500 words)

• A slide/poster summarizing the issue

Your response should explain:

• Why the issue interests you

• The key political challenges involved

• The perspectives you encountered

• One question you still have about the issue

The goal is not to “get it right,” but to begin thinking critically about the political world around you.

These texts are designed to introduce you to global issues, political thinking, and different perspectives in an engaging and accessible way.

Books

• Prisoners of Geography

• Factfulness

• The Almighty Dollar

• Why Nations Fail

• Nineteen Eighty-Four

• The Hate U Give

News and current affairs

Regularly following global news is one of the best preparations for DP Global Politics. Recommended sources include:

• BBC News

• Al Jazeera English

• Reuters World News

• The Economist

YouTube / Online Channels

• TED Talks Global Issues Playlist

• Crash Course Government & Politics

• Council on Foreign Relations Explained Videos

• Korczyk's class