LEVELS OF ANALYSIS

All issues and concepts can be considered at different levels of analysis.

The IB identify six levels of analysis as relevant when studying Global Politics and these are Global, International, Regional, National, Local and Community. You can look at this extract from the subject guide which provides you with more detailed explanations of exactly what we mean by each term.

Levels of Analysis

Making links

Let’s consider a fairly normal food item – a Big Mac.

In pairs or small groups, create a mindmap that links the six levels of analysis to the picture of the burger. You can make these links in anyway you want. How you interpret the task is completely up to you. You may choose to link them with statements or with questions, for example. You need to be prepared to discuss your work with the whole group.

Before you get started, take a look at this example that considers how the issue of ivory poaching might be considered at each level of analysis

Levels of Analysis Big Mac

Which level of analysis is most appropriate?

Consider the following images. In pairs or small groups discuss which levels of analysis would be most appropriate for exploring the issue. You should identify at least two levels of analysis for each issue.

1.North Korea develops nuclear weapons to deter perceived aggression from the US

2. Russian backed separatist rebels shoot down a Malaysian Airlines plane over Ukraine

3. The Italian Navy rescues 1,800 migrants in the Mediterranean in just 24 hours

4. Choose a contemporary political issue or challenge from anywhere in the world right now and, as above, identify the two levels of analysis that would be most useful for analysing the issue in Global Politics.