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IB Global Politics: HL extension: Global political challenges

Borders, environment, equality, health, identity, poverty, security, technology; Paper 3. 3 subtopics, 12 key terms.

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In this topic: 5.1 · 5.2 · 5.3

5.1The eight global political challenges HL

Key terms

Global political challenge: A complex issue affecting people across borders, studied at HL.
Case study: A specific, researched example used as evidence.
Political issue: A matter where power, interests and values are contested.
Stakeholder: A person or group affected by or able to affect an issue.

The HL extension (80 extra hours) covers eight challenges: borders, environment, equality, health, identity, poverty, security, technology.

The full notes, worked example and check questions for this subtopic are in the app.

Exam tip: Build a one-page fact file per case: actors, dates, data, perspectives, links to concepts and other challenges.

5.2Paper 3: structure and recommendations HL

Key terms

Paper 3: HL only: 1 h 30 min, 28 marks, 30 %, based on a stimulus.
Q1 (3 marks): Analyse a point signalled by the stimulus.
Q2a (4 marks): Explain a political issue in one of your case studies, with its actors.
Q2b (6 marks): Recommend a feasible course of action and its implications.
Q3 (15 marks): Evaluate links between at least two challenge areas, using your researched cases.

Evidence should come mainly from your own researched case studies, not only the stimulus.

The full notes, worked example, interactive diagram and check questions for this subtopic are in the app.

Exam tip: In recommendations, “who does what, how, and why it would work” beats vague calls for “cooperation”.

5.3Interconnections between challenges HL

Key terms

Interconnection: How one challenge causes, worsens or shapes another.
Securitisation: Framing an issue as a security threat to justify exceptional measures.
Intersectionality: Overlapping identities (gender, race, class) producing distinct disadvantages.

Challenges rarely stand alone: environment → poverty → borders (climate-driven migration); technology → security → identity (surveillance of minorities).

The full notes, worked example and check questions for this subtopic are in the app.

Exam tip: Draw a quick web of your two cases and the eight challenges before Q3: it gives you the links to write about.

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