Paper 3 Global · 2020 · 30 marks
Evaluate the extent to which global governance is more concerned with economic issues rather than human rights issues.
Global Governance
Examiner notes
AWARDED: Most popular question in Section C. Stronger responses covered range of both human rights and economic global governance institutions. Students gave examples of IMF, WTO and World Bank actions and significance of almost universal membership. Convincing argument that states more willing to accept economic issues than human rights issues as latter impacts sovereignty more. Pleasing knowledge of human rights bodies (special tribunals, ICC) and examples.
MISSED: Weaker responses struggled to provide detail or identify major global governance institutions.
ADVICE: None specific.
KEY PRINCIPLE (from ER 2025, applicable to all questions): Address the question directly.
For this question, start by establishing what rights protection means in the UK context (HRA, common law, conventions). Only then can you evaluate whether global governance is more concerned with economic issues rather than human rights issues.
ESSAY TECHNIQUE: Pair competing viewpoints in each section of your answer. Use specific, contemporary political evidence to support your analysis. Avoid historical examples unless they directly illuminate a current issue. Each paragraph should contain analysis (AO2) and a mini-judgment (AO3), not just description (AO1).
AO3 CONCLUSIONS: Do not just repeat your paragraph themes. Answer the question directly, explain why your judgment is reached, and contextualise it within the current political situation. A strong conclusion takes a clear position and justifies it with the weight of the evidence presented.
EXAMINER RECOMMENDATIONS (from ER 2025, applicable to all questions):
1. ANSWER THE QUESTION ASKED: If you hoped for a different question, put that aside and ensure every paragraph addresses what was actually asked. Do not import a prepared essay on a related but different topic.
2. CONSIDER BOTH SIDES: Pair competing viewpoints in each section. For each argument in favour, address the strongest counterargument. Do not just list points for and against separately.
3. USE EVIDENCE EFFECTIVELY: Select contemporary, specific political evidence. Avoid vague generalities. Name specific legislation, court cases, election results, government actions, and political events. Evidence should support analysis, not replace it.
4. VALUE TIMED PRACTICE: The more practice you have of responding in exam conditions, the better you will perform. For the final question on each paper, time pressure is real -- practise to a strict timer.