IB Global Politics IA Engagement Project Guide Notes

IB Global Politics IA Engagement Project Guide

Why the Engagement Project actually matters

1. It’s politics off the page.
   1. Most of IB is about essays, exams, and theory. The Engagement Project is where you get your hands dirty with real-world politics.
   2. Instead of just reading Nye or Waltz, you can say: “Yeah, I interviewed an activist, and this is how power actually plays out.”
2. It’s your project, your choice.
   1. You’re not stuck analyzing something random. You pick the issue.
   2. Into climate change? Migration? Human rights?
   3. The project lets you chase what genuinely interests you, which makes it way more fun to research.
3. It makes theory click.
   1. Ever read a definition of “legitimacy” or “sovereignty” and thought, okay, but what does that even mean in practice?
   2. The Engagement Project is where those abstract ideas start to make sense because you see them in action.
4. It shows off your independence.
   1. This isn’t just busywork. It’s a chance to prove you can investigate, analyze, and think like a political scientist.
   2. That looks impressive for uni apps and, honestly, makes you feel a little powerful yourself.
5. The IA (Internal Assessment) Engagement Project is a required component of IB Global Politics. It involves:
   1. Choosing a local or community-level political issue
   2. Conducting research and engagement (not just academic research)
   3. Writing a report that reflects on your learning and experience

The Process Overview

1. Planning: Define your political issue and create a research question
2. Research: Investigate the issue, the actors involved, and possible solutions
3. Engagement: Participate in or observe real-world activities connected to your issue
4. Reflection & Reporting: Analyse what you learned, link to political theory, and write up the findings

How to Choose a Political Issue

Ask:

1. Who has power? Who lacks it?
2. Who wants to change things? Who resists change?
3. What impact does the issue have on people’s lives?

Possible actors:

1. Governments (local, national, international)
2. NGOs and civil society
3. Private companies
4. Interest groups or political parties
5. The media or specific leaders

Engagement Ideas

1. Interview local activists, politicians, or stakeholders