Politics · Year 13

Active learning ideas

The State and Globalisation

The State and Globalisation unit introduces students to the shifting nature of power in the 21st century. It examines the traditional concept of the Westphalian state, defined by territory, population, and sovereignty, and asks whether globalisation has made this model obsolete. Students explore political, economic, and cultural globalisation, evaluating how international bodies, global markets, and 'soft power' challenge the authority of individual nations.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• DfE A-Level Politics Subject Content: Global Politics
• Edexcel Component 3: The state and globalisation

• 15–45 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Simulation Game
• 40 min · Whole Class

Simulation Game: The Globalisation Web

Students represent different actors: states, TNCs, NGOs, and IGOs. Using string to connect themselves based on trade, aid, or law, they create a physical 'web' of interdependence and then discuss what happens to the web when one state tries to act 'sovereignly' by cutting a string.

What are the political, economic, and cultural impacts of globalisation?

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

Activity 02

• Inquiry Circle
• 45 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: Sovereignty Audit

In small groups, students research a specific challenge to sovereignty (e.g., the EU, the internet, or climate change). They must present a 'verdict' on whether the state has lost power, gained power, or simply changed how it uses power.

Has the nation-state become obsolete in a globalised world?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Activity 03

• Think-Pair-Share
• 15 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: Cultural Globalisation

Students list three examples of 'global culture' in their daily lives (e.g., Netflix, McDonald's). They then discuss with a partner whether this represents 'Americanisation' or a truly 'global' culture, and what this means for national identity.

How do realists and liberals view the international system differently?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• Globalisation means the end of the nation-state.

  While globalisation challenges states, they remain the only actors with the power to tax, make laws, and use force. A 'state vs global' power-balance activity helps students see that states are 'transforming' rather than 'disappearing.'

• Economic globalisation only benefits rich countries.

  While controversial, globalisation has also lifted millions out of poverty in the Global South. Using a 'data-dive' into poverty statistics helps students develop a more nuanced, balanced view of the winners and losers of global trade.

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Methods used in this brief

• Simulation Game
• Inquiry Circle
• Think-Pair-Share