The IB Global Politics course is one of the most dynamic and thought-provoking subjects offered in the Diploma Programme. It encourages critical engagement with real-world issues such as power, sovereignty, development, human rights, peace, and conflict. To succeed in this course, students need more than just a textbook—they need a curated collection of reliable, insightful, and up-to-date resources.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the bestIB Global Politics resources available to students, including study materials, websites, podcasts, videos, books, case study archives, and tools for assessment preparation.

Why You Need Multiple Resources

Unlike subjects that are more content-heavy and exam-based, Global Politics emphasizes conceptual understanding, application of theory, and analysis of contemporary events. That means relying on just one textbook or set of class notes is often not enough.

High-quality resources can help you:

• Deepen your understanding of political concepts and theories

• Stay informed about current global events relevant to the syllabus

• Develop compelling case studies with up-to-date evidence

• Prepare for essays, Paper 1, Paper 2, and HL extension work

• Strengthen your IA (Engagement Activity) and HL extension project

1. Official IB Global Politics Guide

Before diving into other resources, it’s crucial to read the official IB Global Politics Subject Guide. This document outlines:

• Course structure and assessment format

• Core units and HL extension

• Key concepts

• Assessment criteria for exams, IA, and HL presentations

If your school doesn’t provide it, ask your teacher. It serves as the foundation of your entire study plan.

2. Textbooks and Study Guides

While no single textbook will cover every aspect perfectly, these are the most popular and IB-aligned books students use:

– Oxford IB Diploma Programme: Global Politics Course Companion

By Eileen Dombrowski. This is one of the most widely used textbooks for the course. It breaks down each unit, includes case study prompts, and aligns closely with the syllabus.

– Pearson Global Politics for the IB Diploma

Another well-structured book that includes HL chapters, exam support, and theory explanations.

– IB Prepared: Global Politics

This compact revision book focuses on exam techniques, sample questions, and assessment tips. Great for final revision.

Make notes alongside these books and be sure to supplement them with real-world updates.

3. Websites for Current Events and Case Studies

Global Politics thrives on real-world examples. Bookmark these sites to stay updated and gather evidence for essays and case studies:

• BBC News – World: For balanced global coverage and in-depth reporting.

• The Guardian Global Development: Excellent for articles on inequality, human rights, and sustainability.

• Al Jazeera: Offers unique perspectives on global conflicts and developing nations.

• Foreign Policy: More advanced reading on international relations and political theory.

• United Nations News: Reliable for reports on peacekeeping, human rights, and development goals.

Search these sites regularly for updates relevant to your coursework. Create a habit of saving key articles to use later in assessments.

4. YouTube Channels and Video Resources

Videos can be incredibly effective in understanding difficult political theories and contemporary case studies.

Recommended Channels:

• CrashCourse Government and Politics: Excellent for foundational political concepts explained in under 10 minutes.

• Al Jazeera English – The Stream: Covers youth-led movements, activism, and human rights globally.

• VOX: Well-produced videos on global politics, migration, inequality, and conflict.

• BBC Documentary Channel: Use documentaries to develop deep case studies with visuals and statistics.

Use videos as part of active study. Summarize key ideas in your notes, and highlight how the content connects to IB concepts.

5. Podcasts for Global Politics

If you’re commuting or taking a break from screens, podcasts are a powerful way to learn.

Top picks:

• Pod Save the World: Offers a U.S.-centric but accessible take on international affairs.

• Global Dispatches – World News That Matters: Focuses on human rights, development, and conflict zones.

• The Intelligence by The Economist: A daily news podcast perfect for keeping up with global events.

While listening, note down any specific cases, political developments, or stakeholder opinions that you can refer to later.

6. Resources for HL Extension Topics

If you’re an HL student, you need detailed, theory-informed sources for your two chosen global political challenges (e.g., borders, identity, environment, poverty, health, security).

Good places to explore:

• WHO and UNICEF for health and development statistics.

• Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch for rights-based reporting.

• World Bank and OECD for development and inequality data.

• Environmental Defense Fund for sustainability case studies.

Download reports, summaries, or infographics that back your analysis with hard data.

7. Tools for Note-Taking and Organization

Managing resources is only useful if you can organize and review them effectively.

• Notion or OneNote: Great for building digital folders by unit or topic.

• Google Docs: Create collaborative documents for group study and essay planning.

• Quizlet or Anki: Use flashcards to memorize key concepts, thinkers, or political terms.

• News aggregators like Feedly: Subscribe to global politics categories from multiple news outlets in one place.

Consistency is key—update your notes weekly and sort them by unit, concept, or case study.

8. Assessment-Specific Resources

Use the following to prepare for specific components of the course:

Paper 1 (Stimulus-Based Questions):

• Practice analyzing sources from political debates, news snippets, and speeches.

• Review marking schemes from past papers to understand how analysis is rewarded.

Paper 2 (Essay):

• Collect sample essay questions from past exams or online forums.

• Outline possible arguments, counterarguments, and case studies.

Internal Assessment (Engagement Activity):

• Refer to official exemplars provided by the IB.

• Document your political experience from start to finish with reflections linked to course content.

HL Extension:

• Prepare a bibliography of sources with varied perspectives.

• Develop visual maps connecting your two selected challenges to key political concepts.

Final Thoughts

Success in IB Global Politics doesn’t come from rote learning—it comes from curiosity, engagement, and connection. With the right resources, you can turn your classroom learning into a rich, meaningful understanding of how the world works.

Use a variety of textbooks, news platforms, videos, academic reports, and note-taking tools to support your study. Regularly update your resources to reflect ongoing global developments. And always ask yourself: How does this connect to what I’m learning in class?

Your ability to synthesize knowledge from multiple sources is what will set you apart in essays, exams, and assessments. Equip yourself with the best tools, and you’ll not only perform better—but also become a more informed global citizen.