From first assessment 2028, IB History is no longer just a collection of regional case studies. It is explicitly designed as a global history course, requiring students to think across borders, regions, and time periods.
For many students, this is one of the most challenging — and most misunderstood — aspects of the new course. Those who continue to think in narrow national narratives often struggle to meet assessment expectations, even when their factual knowledge is strong.
This article explains why the new IB History course is truly global, what that means in practice, and how students must adapt their thinking to succeed.
Quick Start Checklist
- What “global history” means in IB History
- Why the IB redesigned the course this way
- How global thinking appears in exams
- Common student mistakes with regional focus
- How to adapt revision and essay writing
What Does “Global History” Mean in IB History?
In the new IB DP History course (FA 2028), global history does not mean studying everything everywhere.
Instead, it means:
- Understanding events in broader contexts
- Comparing developments across regions
- Recognising global patterns and connections
- Avoiding isolated, single-country explanations
Students are expected to see history as interconnected, not fragmented.
Why the IB Shifted Toward a Global Approach
The IB redesigned History to better reflect how historians actually work.
This shift recognises that:
- Political, economic, and social developments rarely occur in isolation
- Ideas, systems, and conflicts cross borders
- Historical change often has global causes and consequences
By emphasising global thinking, the IB ensures students develop analytical skills that extend beyond memorised narratives.
How Global Thinking Appears in IB History Questions
Under first assessment 2028, global thinking is embedded directly into assessment.
This appears through:
- Comparative questions
- Thematic studies across regions
- Evaluation of different perspectives
- Analysis of long-term global developments
Even when questions focus on specific case studies, students are expected to situate them within wider patterns.
The Role of Comparison in Global History
Comparison is central to the new IB History course.
Students are expected to:
- Compare different regions or states
- Identify similarities and differences
- Explain why outcomes diverged
- Avoid surface-level contrasts
Strong comparison goes beyond stating differences — it explains historical reasons for them.
Why Narrow National Narratives Are Penalised
One of the most common mistakes under the new course is treating topics as isolated national stories.
This often leads to:
- Overly descriptive essays
- Missed conceptual depth
- Weak evaluation
- Poor synthesis
Examiners reward students who demonstrate awareness of broader historical contexts, not those who recount events in isolation.
Global Perspectives and Historical Interpretation
Global history also requires students to engage with multiple perspectives.
This includes:
- Different regional experiences
- Competing political viewpoints
- Social and cultural interpretations
- Contemporary and historical perspectives
Recognising diversity of experience is essential for high-level analysis.
How Global Thinking Improves Essay Quality
Students who adopt a global approach:
- Write more analytical essays
- Show stronger conceptual understanding
- Handle comparison more confidently
- Avoid oversimplified explanations
Global thinking strengthens argumentation across all assessment components.
How to Revise for a Global IB History Course
Effective revision under FA 2028 involves:
- Linking case studies to broader themes
- Practising comparative responses
- Revising concepts alongside content
- Asking “how is this similar or different elsewhere?”
Revision should prepare students to connect, not just recall.
How RevisionDojo Supports Global Historical Thinking
RevisionDojo is designed to support the global, comparative nature of the new IB History course.
RevisionDojo helps students:
- Practise comparison across regions
- Apply concepts consistently
- Avoid narrow narrative answers
- Build global context into essays
- Understand examiner expectations clearly
This ensures students meet the demands of FA 2028 confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know history from every region?
No. You need deep knowledge of selected case studies and the ability to place them in broader historical contexts.
Is global history harder than regional history?
It is more demanding analytically, but also more structured. Students who understand expectations often find it clearer.
Will global thinking be assessed in all papers?
Yes. Global context, comparison, and perspectives underpin all assessment components.
Final Thoughts
The new IB History course (first assessment 2028) is truly global by design. Students are expected to think beyond borders, connect developments across regions, and evaluate history as an interconnected process.
Those who adapt to this approach gain a major advantage across exams and the Internal Assessment. Those who rely on narrow narratives often struggle to reach higher markbands.
With clear guidance and consistent practice, global historical thinking becomes a strength — and that is exactly what RevisionDojo is built to support.
