Analyse the differences between realist and liberal views of the significance of international organisations in global politics.
Updated: 10 hours ago
Edexcel A-Level Politics | Component 3B | 2027 Predicted Paper | Mark Scheme Question 2
In your answer you must discuss any relevant core political ideas.
(12 marks)
The command word “Analyse” requires students to explain the differences between realist and liberal perspectives and develop clear comparative chains of reasoning. There is no AO3, so students are not required to decide which theory is more convincing. The 12 marks are divided equally between AO1 (6 marks) and AO2 (6 marks), and a strong answer would normally develop around three direct comparisons rather than writing separate descriptions of realism and liberalism.
Section B is also explicitly synoptic. Pearson states that candidates who discuss only one named theory cannot move beyond Level 1, while candidates who make no synoptic links to core political ideas cannot reach Level 4.
The question is directly within the specification requirement to compare realist and liberal views of international organisations and the significance of states.
Levels-based mark scheme
Level | Marks | Descriptor |
Level 0 | 0 | No rewardable material. |
Level 1 | 1–3 | Superficial knowledge and understanding with limited synoptic material. Comparative analysis is limited and chains of reasoning are only partial. |
Level 2 | 4–6 | Some accurate and appropriately selected knowledge. Some relevant synoptic material and emerging comparison, although analysis may be uneven or underdeveloped. |
Level 3 | 7–9 | Mostly accurate and relevant knowledge supports focused comparative analysis. Logical chains of reasoning are mostly developed and relevant synoptic connections are made. |
Level 4 | 10–12 | Accurate and carefully selected knowledge consistently supports analysis. Comparison is sustained and coherent, with relevant connections between ideas and cohesive synoptic links to core political ideas. |
This follows Pearson's published Paper 3B Section B descriptors.
Indicative content
Students may demonstrate knowledge and analysis in the following areas.
1. States versus international organisations as significant actors
Realism
Realists regard sovereign states as the most significant actors in global politics. The international system is anarchic because there is no effective authority above states. International organisations therefore remain dependent upon states for their membership, resources and enforcement.
A realist may consequently interpret organisations such as the UN as arenas in which states pursue their national interests rather than as genuinely independent sources of global authority.
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