Political factors play a crucial role in shaping global interactions and are a key focus in IB Geography, particularly within the Power, Places and Networks unit. Global interactions refer to the flows of goods, people, capital, and information between places. Political decisions made by governments strongly influence how open, connected, or restricted these interactions become.

One of the most important political influences on global interactions is government policy. Trade policies such as tariffs, quotas, and trade agreements determine how easily goods and services move between countries. Governments that promote free trade and open markets tend to be more integrated into global networks, while protectionist policies can reduce global interaction and limit economic connectivity.

Political stability also affects global interactions. Countries with stable governments, low levels of corruption, and strong legal systems are more attractive to investors, businesses, and migrants. Stability encourages foreign direct investment and long-term economic partnerships. In contrast, political instability, conflict, or weak governance can discourage global engagement and isolate countries from international networks.

International alliances and organisations further shape global interactions. Membership in political or economic alliances can increase cooperation, reduce barriers to movement, and strengthen global influence. Alliances can facilitate trade, migration, and shared decision-making. However, they can also create divisions between members and non-members, shaping patterns of inclusion and exclusion in global systems.

Political factors also influence global interactions through conflict and security concerns. War, terrorism, and political tension disrupt trade routes, restrict migration, and damage infrastructure. Conflicts can lead to refugee movements, sanctions, and breakdowns in international cooperation. These disruptions highlight how political instability can rapidly reshape global connections.

In IB Geography, it is important to recognise the role of regulation and control. Governments regulate migration through visa systems, border controls, and asylum policies. They also control information flows through media laws, internet regulation, and surveillance. These political decisions affect how people, ideas, and information move globally.

Politics also shapes global interactions related to climate change and resources. International cooperation, environmental agreements, and resource governance depend on political will and negotiation. Political disagreements can delay collective action, while cooperation can strengthen global problem-solving.

Overall, political factors influence global interactions by shaping openness, stability, cooperation, and control. Government decisions determine how connected a country is to global networks and how it exercises power within them.

RevisionDojo helps IB Geography students analyse political influences on global interactions clearly, linking governance and power to global flows and exam-style evaluation.