Power and Politics

Lesson Details

• Year Level: Year 12
• Subject Area: Global Politics / International Relations
• Curriculum Alignment: Australian Curriculum – Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS), Senior Secondary Politics and International Relations
• Lesson Duration: 120 minutes
• Number of Students: 19

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Understand the principles of realism and liberalism in international politics.
• Differentiate between offensive realism and defensive realism.
• Evaluate realism and liberalism in relation to contemporary global events.
• Apply theoretical perspectives to case studies involving Australia’s foreign policy.

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Lesson Outline

0:00 – 0:15 | Introduction & Warm-Up (15 min)

Icebreaker Discussion: "How Do Countries Compete?"

• Pose the question: "Imagine two powerful nations competing for influence—what factors shape their strategy?"
• Write student responses on the board under two columns: cooperation vs competition.
• Brief teacher-led explanation, drawing connections between their responses and the key tenets of realism and liberalism.

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0:15 – 0:45 | Core Lesson: Realism vs Liberalism (30 min)

Realism in International Politics (15 min)

• Core Idea: Nation-states act primarily in their own self-interest, with power being the main driver.
• Offensive Realism:
  • States seek maximum power dominance.
  • Example: China’s Belt and Road Initiative as a strategic power move.
• Defensive Realism:
  • States seek sufficient power for survival but avoid unnecessary conflict.
  • Example: Australia’s alliance with the US (ANZUS Treaty) for security, not power expansion.

Liberalism in International Politics (15 min)

• Core Idea: Cooperation and institutions can create lasting peace and stability.
• Example:
  • United Nations’ role in global governance.
  • Australia’s involvement in ASEAN and climate accords.

(Optional teacher engagement: Play short news clips of world leaders discussing global issues, asking students to categorise their approach as realism or liberalism.)

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0:45 – 1:15 | Student Engagement Activity (30 min)

Debate: "Is Power or Cooperation More Effective in Global Politics?"

• Divide the class into two groups: Realists vs Liberals.
• 10 minutes: Groups prepare key arguments.
• 15 minutes: Structured debate with students providing evidence-backed arguments.
• 5 minutes: Class vote and reflection: Which perspective seemed more compelling and why?

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1:15 – 1:50 | Applying Theory: Australian Foreign Policy Case Study (35 min)

Case Study: Australia’s Engagement with China and the US

• Students break into small groups of 3-4.
• Each group analyses Australia's stance towards China (economic ties) and the US (security alliance).
• Groups link realism and liberalism to foreign policy decisions.
• Each group presents a 2-minute summary of their findings to the class.

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1:50 – 2:00 | Wrap-Up & Reflection (10 min)

• Quick Poll: Do you personally lean towards a realist or liberal perspective? Why?
• Exit Ticket: Write a one-sentence takeaway from the lesson on a sticky note and place it on the board.

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Assessment & Follow-Up

• Formative Assessment: Student participation in discussion, group work, and debate.
• Extension Activity: Research and write a 500-word reflection on how Australia’s role in global politics fits within realism or liberalism.
• Homework: Watch a recent news report on Australia’s foreign relations and identify whether the approach is more realist or liberal.

This lesson is designed to bring political theory to life with case studies students can relate to, ensuring deep engagement and critical thinking.