Introduction: Integrity in a Complex World
Global Politics challenges IB students to analyze how power, justice, and identity shape our interconnected world. But in studying global issues, one value must remain constant — integrity.
The IB Global Politics Guide (IBO, 2023) states that “academic honesty and ethical reasoning underpin responsible political analysis.” Integrity ensures that your arguments are balanced, your evidence credible, and your advocacy respectful. Whether writing an essay, conducting engagement activities, or preparing your HL extension, integrity keeps your voice authentic and principled.
This guide explores how to practice ethical research, objective analysis, and responsible advocacy throughout the IB Global Politics course.
Quick Start Checklist: Integrity in Global Politics
- Use credible and verifiable sources only.
- Avoid bias and misrepresentation of perspectives.
- Credit all quotes, data, and case studies.
- Disclose political affiliations or advocacy roles transparently.
- Reflect ethically on your engagement activities.
- Avoid AI-generated or unverified political analysis.
Integrity ensures that your political understanding builds bridges — not biases.
Understanding Integrity in Political Study
Integrity in Global Politics means approaching complex issues with honesty, fairness, and accountability.
It involves:
- Academic honesty: Producing independent, well-sourced analysis.
- Balanced evaluation: Considering multiple perspectives before drawing conclusions.
- Ethical advocacy: Promoting causes or ideas responsibly, without misinformation.
As political theorist Hannah Arendt wrote, “Truth and politics are uneasy companions.” Integrity ensures they remain allies, not opposites.
Ethical Research and Source Use
Global Politics requires extensive research — but ethics must guide every step.
To maintain credibility:
- Use diverse, reputable sources such as academic journals, NGOs, and government reports.
- Avoid unverified or biased media.
- Cross-check facts and statistics across multiple sources.
- Cite all data, quotes, and case materials.
- Disclose potential conflicts of interest if researching organizations you’re involved with.
Research with integrity transforms political study into responsible citizenship.
Avoiding Bias and Oversimplification
Political integrity demands fairness.
To stay objective:
- Acknowledge multiple viewpoints — political, cultural, and regional.
- Avoid framing issues through a single ideological lens.
- Present counterarguments respectfully.
- Distinguish between opinion and evidence.
For instance, when analyzing climate policy, evaluate both government action and grassroots advocacy. Integrity lies in understanding complexity, not forcing simplicity.
Academic Honesty in Case Studies and Essays
Every essay or case study must reflect your own analysis.
Avoid:
- Copying online political commentaries or model essays.
- Paraphrasing theories (like realism or liberalism) without citation.
- Overusing quotes instead of explaining ideas in your own words.
- Submitting group or AI-generated material.
Cite all sources, including political theorists (e.g., Morgenthau, Keohane, Tickner), and use them to inform — not define — your argument. Authentic thought is the foundation of political integrity.
Responsible Advocacy in the Engagement Activity
For HL students, the engagement activity (EA) connects theory with practice — but integrity is key.
- Engage ethically with organizations or campaigns.
- Avoid misrepresenting your role or influence.
- Gain consent before using names, photos, or private information.
- Reflect critically on your actions and learning.
- Acknowledge both successes and ethical challenges.
Your EA is about understanding global citizenship, not self-promotion. Integrity makes advocacy meaningful.
Using Technology and AI Responsibly
Digital tools are powerful — but in politics, they can easily spread misinformation.
To use them ethically:
- Verify all online sources before citation.
- Avoid AI-written essays or “summary” tools that distort nuance.
- Use AI only for organization or brainstorming, not for content generation.
- Disclose all digital tools used in your research or writing.
Integrity ensures that your analysis contributes to truth, not digital noise.
Reflecting Honestly on Ethics and Learning
Reflection is central to the Global Politics course — and honesty is its foundation.
When reflecting:
- Discuss your ethical dilemmas openly.
- Evaluate how your biases may have influenced interpretation.
- Explain what you learned from diverse perspectives.
- Avoid exaggerating impact or understanding.
Reflection is not performance — it’s accountability. Honest insight shows growth and maturity.
Respecting Cultural and Political Diversity
Global Politics examines diverse societies and ideologies. Ethical awareness ensures respect.
- Avoid stereotyping or simplifying political systems.
- Represent different voices and lived experiences accurately.
- Recognize power imbalances when analyzing conflicts or policies.
- Approach controversial issues with empathy and balance.
Integrity in political study is not neutrality — it’s fairness with understanding.
Avoiding Plagiarism and Collusion
Plagiarism in Global Politics undermines both academic and civic responsibility.
Avoid by:
- Citing all materials — including statistics, theories, and policy papers.
- Writing your own interpretations of political theory.
- Not sharing essays or drafts with classmates.
- Keeping notes and drafts as evidence of originality.
Political literacy begins with intellectual honesty.
How RevisionDojo Supports Global Politics Integrity
RevisionDojo helps IB Global Politics students become informed, ethical thinkers through:
- Guides on credible research and source evaluation.
- Tutorials on reflective and ethical engagement writing.
- Lessons on bias awareness and academic honesty.
- Examples of high-scoring IAs and EAs rooted in integrity and analysis.
RevisionDojo turns political curiosity into responsible, well-informed advocacy.
Conclusion: Integrity Is the Core of Citizenship
Politics is about influence — but integrity is about intention.
Integrity in IB Global Politics ensures that your arguments seek understanding, not advantage. It teaches that leadership without honesty becomes manipulation, and research without ethics becomes propaganda.
When you approach political study with integrity, you don’t just analyze the world — you help improve it.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Think critically. Act ethically.
Join RevisionDojo to master responsible political analysis, ethical advocacy, and reflective citizenship — the foundation of integrity in IB Global Politics.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What counts as misconduct in IB Global Politics?
Copying essays, fabricating data, or using AI for analysis breaches IB academic integrity. Misrepresenting engagement work also counts as misconduct.
2. Can I participate in political organizations for my EA?
Yes, but disclose your involvement and maintain neutrality in analysis. Always seek consent for interviews or data use.
3. How should I cite sources in Global Politics?
Include author, organization, year, and access date. Use consistent formatting and acknowledge adapted visuals or data.
4. Can I use AI tools for my research?
Only for organization or grammar support. AI-generated arguments or summaries violate IB standards.
5. How does RevisionDojo help promote integrity?
RevisionDojo teaches research transparency, bias evaluation, and ethical reflection — helping IB students think and act with integrity in global contexts.
