Exploring Global Politics at EISB

At EISB, Global Politics isn’t just about memorizing facts or dates — it’s about exploring the ideas, structures, and decisions that shape the world we live in. This year, our class has focused on some of the core concepts that explain how states and international organizations operate: sovereignty, power, legitimacy, and the role of the United Nations (UN).

Sovereignty: Who Has the Right to Rule?

One of the first concepts we explored was sovereignty, the idea that states have ultimate authority over their territory and affairs. We discussed what sovereignty means in practice and why it can sometimes be contested. For example, we debated cases where humanitarian crises or internal conflicts raise questions about whether other countries or international organizations should intervene. These discussions helped us understand that sovereignty is not always absolute, it’s a principle that exists alongside complex political realities.

Power: More Than Just Force

Closely tied to sovereignty is power. In class, we examined how power can take many forms: military, economic, diplomatic, and even cultural. We analyzed how countries use sanctions, alliances, or influence in international forums to achieve their goals without resorting to war. A particularly interesting discussion involved the use of “soft power,” like cultural influence and media, and how it can sometimes be more effective than military force in shaping global events. These lessons made it clear that understanding power is essential for interpreting why states act the way they do.

Legitimacy: Why Authority Matters

Another key concept has been legitimacy, or what makes governments, leaders, and institutions accepted and credible. We explored how legitimacy is built and challenged, looking at elections, public opinion, and international recognition. Through case studies, we discussed why some leaders or organizations are widely respected while others face opposition, and how legitimacy affects both domestic stability and international relations. These discussions made us think critically about what makes authority valid and why people follow, or resist it.

The United Nations: Cooperation and Challenges

The United Nations (UN) has been a central part of our studies. We learned about its structure, including the General Assembly, Security Council, and specialized agencies, and explored its role in promoting peace, security, and human rights. Class debates often focus on real-world scenarios: How should the UN respond to conflicts like civil wars? What are the limits of its power when permanent members of the Security Council disagree? These discussions gave us insight into the challenges of international cooperation and why some states choose to comply with UN decisions while others do not.

Experiencing Global Politics in the Classroom

Global Politics at EISB is highly interactive. We regularly work in groups to analyze current events, present case studies, and debate controversial issues. For instance, we recently simulated a UN Security Council discussion, where each student represented a different country and had to negotiate responses to a global crisis. Activities like this allow us to see concepts like sovereignty, power, and legitimacy in action, while also developing collaboration, research, and public speaking skills.

Why Global Politics Matters

Studying Global Politics helps us understand why the world works the way it does. It encourages critical thinking, empathy, and awareness of multiple perspectives, while giving us tools to analyze complex global issues. By examining sovereignty, power, legitimacy, and the UN, we gain insight into why conflicts happen, how cooperation is possible, and what challenges exist in creating a fair and stable international system.

At EISB, Global Politics reflects the school’s commitment to active, relevant learning. It doesn’t just prepare students for exams, it prepares us to engage thoughtfully with global issues, understand different viewpoints, and make informed decisions as global citizens. Through this class, we learn to think critically about the forces shaping the world and our own role within it.