IB Global Politics - Interest-Based Conflict

A simple PowerPoint presentation lesson that begins with students being asked to define the term “national self-interest” and then they are asked to try and identify their own country’s interests. The lesson continues with a short description of the difference between interest-based and territorial conflict. Then, a case study video is viewed, introducing students to the rivalry in the Middle East between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The video clip is followed with discussion questions, which could easily be adapted to a written task if desired. Originally designed for use with an IB Year 2 Global Politics class, the PowerPoint format allows for adaptation to suit other grade levels and/or curriculums.