As a long-time IB writer, I can say that the Global Politics Extended Essay subject is one of the most intriguing but also the most difficult choices. It makes you think critically about problems in the real world, such as wars and arguments over human rights. That, in my opinion, is what makes it different from other subjects.
Some Extended Essays are just about figures or lab reports, but this one asks you to argue, evaluate, and connect ideas.
In this post, I’ll describe the Global Politics EE subject, who should choose it, and whether it’s challenging.
What Is the IB Global Politics Subject?
The IB Global Politics falls under Group 3 subjects (Individuals and Societies) in the Diploma Programme.
It’s one of the most interesting subjects for an Extended Essay writing because it combines what you learn in school with what you see happening in the news every day. You need to consider different points of view, look at the reasons and effects of disputes, and reflect on them when you research and write.
The IB says that the study includes topics such as power, sovereignty, human rights, and development. In the real world, you can apply these ideas in situations like negotiating about climate change, debating human rights, or resolving regional conflicts.
Below is a quick list of what the IB Global Politics EE subject generally includes:
| ASPECT | DETAILS | EXAMPLE |
|---|---|---|
| Themes | Core areas of Global Politics | Power, Human Rights, Development, Peace & Conflict |
| Research | Independent inquiry guided by theory | Case studies, policy analysis |
| Methodology | Theoretical framework + real-world evidence | Using realism/liberalism to assess climate agreements |
| Skills | Critical evaluation and argument building | Comparing perspectives on international law |
According to general IB criteria, all Extended Essays should be graded using the same five criteria. But in Global Politics, the attention is always on argumentation, evidence, and thinking about political concepts.
It’s also worth noting that the Global Politics Extended Essay is optional. You only write it if you choose this subject for your EE. It’s a 4,000-word independent research essay, assessed externally as part of the IB core rather than the course itself.
Who Should Choose the Global Politics Extended Essay Subject?
The Global Politics Extended Essay subject works best for students who care about current events and enjoy thinking critically about them. It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you see yourself in the profiles below, this could be the right choice for you.
- You’re Interested in International Relations
This subject is perfect for you if you’re interested in how countries interact, why wars happen, or how diplomacy works.
Some of the best essays I’ve ever read were written by students who were already interested in global government, the UN, or how strong states affect world politics.
- You’re Passionate about Human Rights and Justice
It’s an excellent choice for students who care deeply about fairness, equality, and justice. If you find yourself drawn to questions about refugees, women’s rights, or minority protection, you’ll find plenty of meaningful topics to investigate.
- You Enjoy Debating Global Issues
This Extended Essay subject works best for students who like to talk things over, in my opinion.
For example, you’ll enjoy turning your hobbies into a well-structured research question if you like discussing climate change policies, looking at election results, or how well international law works.
- You Want to Study Politics or Social Sciences in College
From my perspective, another group who should choose the Global Politics Extended Essay are those planning to study political science, law, sociology, or international relations after the IB.
Writing this essay strengthens your application and gives you a taste of what academic research in these fields looks like.
- You Enjoy Linking Theory to Real-World Case Studies
This subject is great if you like turning big ideas into real examples. Maybe you enjoy looking at theories like realism or liberalism and asking how they play out in actual events, such as climate talks or human rights cases.
If that sounds like you, the Global Politics Extended Essay can be a perfect choice.
Is the Global Politics Extended Essay Subject Hard?
So, is it tough? For sure, but not how you’re probably imagining it.
IB guidelines say that the hardest part is not so much writing as it is organizing your essay around analysis instead of description.
At first, a lot of students treat their EE like a long research paper, sharing stories about events or reviewing political history. But the IB wants you to do a lot more than that. In an organized case, you need to look at causes, effects, and different points of view.
In my experience, there are several challenges students often encounter:
- Getting the research question more specific. Broad questions like “What role does the UN play in promoting peace?” may sound interesting, but they can’t be answered in 4,000 words.
- Finding sources you can trust. There are a lot of different points of view in global politics, which can make it hard to tell the difference between reliable research work and slanted opinion.
- Keeping description and thought in balance. Many essays fail because they only ask “what happened” and not “why it happened” or “how effective it was.”
- Managing the scope. Students sometimes want to use too many case studies, which makes the study too shallow.
- Keeping an open mind. Politics can feel personal, but essays that are fair and not biased get better grades.
On the plus side, when you approach the Global Politics Extended Essay subject with real interest, it becomes much easier.
Most of the time, students who find value in their topics (human rights, climate policy, or international law) write the best essays. You can only keep going when you’re passionate about something, and that’s what gets you through the hardest parts of research.
It also helps a lot to plan ahead, have a clear framework, and have access to academic materials. The essay is easier to handle if you make a schedule, stick to a single research question, and regularly check your evidence.
When Global Politics Might Not Be the Best Choice for Your Extended Essay?
From what I’ve seen, the Global Politics subject can be interesting for Extended Essay writing, but it’s not for everyone. Some students do really well when they look at case studies, political theories, and global debates, but others get upset or stressed very quickly.
Here are some clear signs that this subject might not be the best choice for your EE if you’re not sure if it’s right for you.
Don’t let the stress of the IB curriculum hold you back.
Are you struggling to come up with topic suggestions for your IB Extended Essay?
Our experienced writers can help you choose the perfect topic and assist you with any assignment.
You can buy an Extended Essay tailored to your specific subject and requirements.
Our experienced IB writers are always ready to help.
When You Prefer Facts Over Analysis
If you enjoy subjects that focus on exact answers (like IB Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry), then the Global Politics EE might not be a good fit for you.
This subject requires weighing perspectives, analyzing outcomes, and making judgments, not working with definitive solutions.
When You Dislike Reading Political Theory
In my opinion, students who struggle with abstract ideas may find this subject challenging. The IB expects you to use theories such as realism, liberalism, or feminism to frame your arguments.
If reading political philosophy bores you, you may find the EE difficult to sustain.
When You Prefer Local to Global Focus
Some students are more engaged with local history, cultural studies, or community projects than with international issues.
So, if global debates feel too distant or abstract, you may be more comfortable choosing History, Social and Cultural Anthropology, or another subject instead.
How to Decide If the Global Politics EE Is Right for You?
From what I’ve seen, picking a subject for an Extended Essay is one of the hardest tasks for IB students to do. The Global Politics Extended Essay can be very satisfying, but you have to put in a lot of work to do it well. It’s not enough to say that you like current events; you also need to show that you have the right attitude, skills, and drive to do 4,000 words of independent research and analysis.
I usually ask students a few questions to help them when I work with them. If you said “yes” to most of them, this subject probably fits you well:
- ✔️ Do I enjoy following world events and thinking about their causes and consequences?
- ✔️ Am I comfortable reading political theory and applying it to real situations?
- ✔️ Can I evaluate different perspectives without letting personal bias take over?
- ✔️ Do I like writing essays and building structured arguments?
- ✔️ Am I prepared to research beyond textbooks and use academic sources?
I think these questions are like a personal checklist. If you answer yes to each, the IB Global Politics EE subject might be one of the most interesting projects you’ll do throughout the Diploma Programme.
If these questions make you feel unsure, on the other hand, you might want to think about a different subject. What matters most is that you choose an EE topic that you are truly inspired to research, because passion and dedication almost always lead to better results.
How IB Writing Service Can Help You?
I know how stressful the Global Politics Extended Essay can be because I work with IB students. Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with everything on your own. Our writers at IBWritingService.com are IB grads with a lot of experience who know exactly what examiners want.
So, you don’t have to spend weeks getting lost in structure, sources, or academic style because you get help from experts who keep you on track. For many students, that help is the difference between a passable work and a paper they can really be proud of.
Just get in touch with us if you think that kind of help would make your Extended Essay writing easier. ☺️
